"Nigeria Go Survive": Iconic Singer Veno Wins N210M Landmark Legal War Against Airtel

​

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 
IKOYI, LAGOS – In a massive victory for the Nigerian creative industry, the Federal High Court has ordered telecommunications giant, Airtel Nigeria, to pay a staggering N210 million to veteran singer Veno Marioghae Mbanefo for the unauthorized use of her legendary anthem, "Nigeria Go Survive."

​The Verdict: A "David vs. Goliath" Victory

​The ruling, delivered by Honourable Justice Ibrahim Kala, marks a turning point for intellectual property (IP) enforcement in Nigeria. The court found that Airtel "brazenly" hijacked Mbanefo’s 1980s hit to promote its Airtel TV app and the reality show The Voice Nigeria without securing a license or paying royalties.

​From Threats to Triumph

​The legal battle, which began in September 2022, was sparked when Mbanefo discovered her work being used in Airtel’s telemarketing and advertisements. According to the singer:

  • ​The Initial Approach: Her legal team reached out to Airtel for an amicable settlement.
  • ​The Rebuttal: Rather than settle, Airtel denied all culpability, allegedly defamed the singer, and even threatened her with criminal charges.
  • ​The Investigation: Backed by IT specialists and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mbanefo moved forward with a civil suit to protect her legacy.

​Why This Matters for the Industry

​The N210 million award—significantly higher than the N50 million originally sought in 2022—sends a clear message to corporate Nigeria: Creative works are high-value assets, not public property.

​"By not obtaining our Client’s prior permission... your company’s conduct is a flagrant and deliberate infringement... it amounts to stealing and willful deprivation," stated her lawyer, R.A. Igelige.

​This judgment proves that "legacy" content is still strictly protected by law. For artists, it is a beacon of hope; for corporations, it is a costly reminder that the era of using music for free is officially over.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more