In a landmark win for Nigeria’s creator economy, popular skit maker Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus (Mr. Funny), has finally resolved his long-standing intellectual property dispute with major consumer brands.
The conflict, which began in 2022, centered on the unauthorized use of Sabinus’ trademarked catchphrase, “Something Hooge,” and his animated likeness in promotional campaigns. The dispute notably involved FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC (makers of Peak Milk) and UAC Foods Limited (producers of Gala). Initial legal notices from Sabinus’ team had sought a combined ₦1.1 billion in damages—₦1 billion from Peak Milk and ₦100 million from Gala.
The Practitioners of Content Creators, Skit-Makers and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN), led by Ambassador Micheal Obinna Nwabufo (Mike Premium), confirmed today that the matters have been resolved through “mutual agreement and professional engagement.”
“The outcome represents a positive development for the Nigerian creative industry and demonstrates that disputes relating to intellectual property can be addressed constructively through dialogue,” Nwabufo stated.
Sabinus had strategically filed for the trademark of “Something Hooge” in late 2021, covering multiple classes including advertising and entertainment. This legal foresight proved crucial in the negotiations, setting a massive precedent for other digital creators in Nigeria to register and protect their unique brand assets.
While the specific financial details of the out-of-court settlement remain confidential, the resolution is being hailed as a major victory for the rights of content creators against corporate infringement.
