In a legal notice dated June 5, 2026, and released through his legal representatives, the renowned singer accused several entities, including social media operators, production companies, and music distribution platforms, of repeatedly using his creative works without obtaining the necessary permission.
According to the notice, the alleged infringements involve the unauthorised use of his image, likeness, sound recordings, musical compositions, and visual content across various digital platforms.
The Fuji icon argued that such activities violate Nigeria's copyright laws and amount to unlawful commercial exploitation of his intellectual property.
The notice stated: “It has come to my attention that the below listed entities are engaging in activities that constitute exploitation of my intellectual property rights such as my image right, likeness, sound recording, musical works, visual recording etc. by which to me and the copyright law of the federal republic of Nigeria is illegal and an unauthorized exploitation.”
Pasuma further alleged that some parties had uploaded, hosted, distributed, and monetised his content across multiple digital service providers and internet platforms without his consent or any valid written agreement.
He said: “As you are well aware, your act of uploading and/or hosting of my intellectual property, without expressly written agreement containing my authorization, across several Digital Service Providers and Internet Servers (which includes but not limited to streaming platforms, video on demand, App-Stores, lyrics website, blogs, gaming platform, closed digital communities, virtual aggregation sites, amongst host of others) without authorization and expressly written consent/agreements which amounts to an illegal and/or inappropriate exploitation of my intellectual property, which thereby constitute an infringement of my intellectual property right as provided under the Nigeria Copyright Act 2022.”
Immediate Takedown Demand
As part of the notice, Pasuma demanded the immediate cessation of all unauthorised use of his intellectual property.
He directed the affected entities to remove all content linked to his works and permanently discontinue the distribution, sale, promotion, or commercial use of any products or services that rely on his intellectual property.
The singer also requested a detailed account of all activities involving his works from parties operating without authorisation.
“Based on the aforementioned, I hereby announce the following with expectation of full compliance: That you immediately cease from all unauthorised and illegal exploitation of my intellectual property,” the notice stated.
He further demanded:
“That you cease all illegal use and unauthorized exploitation of my intellectual property, including but not limited to bringing down all uploads, content, sound recording, composition etc.
“That you remove and permanently cease the distribution, sale, or promotion of any products, services, or materials that utilise my intellectual property.”
Call for Existing Agreements to Be Submitted
Pasuma also instructed any organisation or individual claiming to have valid authorisation to provide copies of such agreements to his legal representatives within the stipulated timeframe.
The notice stated:
“That you submit to my legal representative statement of account of all exploitation of my intellectual property, since you began, through the communication channel provided below.
“Where there is an expressly written agreement and/or authorization by me or my legal representative, that you provide a copy of the same agreement within the time frame stated and through the communication channel provided below.”
14-Day Deadline Before Legal Proceedings
The legal notice gives recipients 14 days to comply with the demands, setting June 19, 2026, as the deadline.
According to the musician, failure to comply will leave him with no option but to pursue legal remedies available under Nigerian law, including claims for damages, injunctive relief, and possible criminal liability against offending corporate entities and their directors.
The notice warned:
“Failure to comply with the above listed demands within the period of 14 days from the publication of this notice (Deadline: 19th of June 2026) and the subsequent publication in national dailies, I shall have no other course than to institute a legal action against you in the court of competent jurisdiction to enforce my intellectual property rights.”
It added:
“Such action may include but is not limited to seeking injunctive relief, damages, criminal liabilities particularly against corporate entities and their directors, and any other remedies available under applicable law.
“This notice is issued without prejudice to any rights or remedies I may have at law or in equity and is without waiver of any of my rights, claims, or defenses, all of which are expressly reserved.”
Growing Focus on Intellectual Property Protection
The development highlights the increasing efforts by Nigerian entertainers to protect their intellectual property rights in the digital age, where music, videos, images, and other creative works are frequently shared and distributed across online platforms.
Industry stakeholders have continued to advocate stronger enforcement of copyright laws to ensure that creators receive proper compensation and maintain control over the commercial use of their works.
For Pasuma, one of Nigeria's most influential Fuji musicians, the latest move signals a determination to safeguard decades of creative output and ensure that any use of his content is properly authorised and accounted for.