Nigeria: Court Dismisses Sanlam’s Objection in N500 Million Copyright Suit

The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by Sanlam General Insurance Limited in a N500 million copyright infringement case, clearing the way for the matter to proceed to full trial.

Justice Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, delivered the ruling in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/451/2024, describing the insurer’s application as “frivolous” and an abuse of court process. The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against Sanlam.

“The plaintiff has the requisite locus standi to institute this action, and the statement of claim discloses a reasonable cause of action against the defendants,” the judge ruled.

The plaintiff, Inyang Rotimi Olayiwola, had instituted the suit against Sanlam General Insurance Limited and the Lagos State Government, alleging copyright infringement and misuse of confidential information, and seeking N500 million in damages jointly and severally.

Sanlam had asked the court to strike out the suit on grounds of lack of jurisdiction and locus standi, but the court rejected the arguments, holding that the issues raised were substantive and should be determined at trial.

In a sharp rebuke, Justice Aluko said the application wasted the court’s time before awarding costs against the insurer.

Proceedings also showed that the Lagos State Government, represented by the Attorney General’s office, failed to appear in court for the fifth consecutive time. This has fueled indications that the state may be considering an out-of-court settlement, particularly after earlier communications suggested a willingness to resolve the dispute amicably.

Reacting to the ruling, Olayiwola said the decision affirmed the strength of his case and his resolve to seek justice.

With the dismissal of the preliminary objection, the case is now set to proceed to a substantive hearing where the court will determine the copyright infringement claims and the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Source: This Day