Court Orders Airtel Nigeria to Pay ₦210 Million to Veteran Singer Veno Marioghae Mbanefo Over Copyright Infringement on ‘Nigeria Go Survive’

In a landmark ruling that reinforces the protection of intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s creative industry, the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered telecommunications giant Airtel Nigeria to pay the sum of Two Hundred and Ten Million Naira (₦210,000,000) to veteran singer Veno Marioghae Mbanefo for the unauthorised use of her iconic hit song, “Nigeria Go Survive.”

The judgment was delivered by Honourable Justice Ibrahim Kala, who found Airtel Network Limited liable for copyright infringement after a full trial. The court held that the telecom company had unlawfully appropriated the musical work without obtaining the necessary permission or licence from the artist, using it to promote its TV app and the reality show “The Voice Nigeria.”

This decision comes as a major victory for the veteran artiste, who first raised the alarm in 2022. “Nigeria Go Survive,” originally released in 1985, is one of Mbanefo’s most enduring tracks, often celebrated for its patriotic and uplifting message during challenging times in the country.

The legal battle began in April 2022 when Mbanefo, through her lawyer R. A. Igelige Esq. of Felix, Igelige and Associates, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Airtel’s Chief Executive Officer. The letter accused the company of flagrant infringement by repeatedly using the song in commercial promotions without authorisation, describing the act as “stealing and wilful deprivation” that unjustly enriched Airtel while denying the singer her legitimate earnings.

In the initial demand, the artiste sought ₦50 million in compensation for the unauthorised and derogatory use of her work, along with an immediate halt to further infringements. The letter warned that failure to respond adequately within 21 days would lead to legal action, including injunctive relief, criminal charges, and damages.

Airtel initially denied the allegations, rejecting any culpability and even demanding an apology from the singer while threatening legal counter-action. Undeterred, Mbanefo escalated the matter by involving the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), which commenced a criminal investigation into the claims.

In September 2022, the singer filed a civil suit at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, seeking broader remedies. Reports from the time indicate she initially pursued cumulative damages up to ₦350 million, including aggravated damages for the alleged brazen conduct.

After years of litigation, the court has now ruled decisively in her favour, awarding ₦210 million – a substantial sum that reflects the gravity of the infringement, the commercial exploitation involved, and the need to deter similar violations by corporate entities.

The ruling has sparked widespread reactions across social media and entertainment circles, with many hailing it as a boost for Nigerian artists fighting to protect their creative works from unauthorised commercial exploitation by big brands. It underscores the growing enforcement of copyright laws in Nigeria, particularly in the music sector where such infringements have been common.

As of the latest updates on January 26, 2026, the judgment has been widely reported by credible outlets including Sahara Reporters, which broke the story, and various online platforms. Airtel Nigeria is yet to issue an official public response to the court’s order, and it remains unclear if the company plans to appeal the decision.

This case serves as a stark reminder to businesses operating in Nigeria to respect intellectual property rights and secure proper licences before using creative works in marketing or promotions. For veteran artistes like Veno Marioghae Mbanefo, who have contributed timeless pieces to Nigeria’s cultural heritage, today’s ruling affirms that justice can prevail even against powerful corporations.