Singer Runtown has dismissed a recent Federal Capital Territory High Court order upholding his 2016 recording contract with Eric Many Limited, accusing the label’s owner of circulating “fake court orders.”
In a post on X, the artist, whose real name is Douglas Jack Agu, targeted businessman Prince Okwudili “Dilly” Umenyiora, chairman of Eric Many Entertainment. “Mr Dilly, every year you try to deceive people with fake court orders … you think after 9 years, I’ll give you passwords and access to my catalogue?? lol nice try …. Keep trying!” he wrote.
The enrolment order dated July 16, delivered by Justice O.A. Musa, held that the June 2016 recording agreement “has not been terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement” and remains valid and binding. The court ruled that Runtown breached the deal by unilaterally exiting the label’s management and allowing another company to handle his bookings.
It awarded Eric Many Limited approximately ₦319 million — comprising about ₦266 million as the outstanding balance of the label’s investment and expenses yet to be recouped, plus ₦53 million in costs and damages. The ruling also affirmed that the “RUNTOWN” trademark belongs to the label and restrained the singer from independent recording, performances or other commercial activities covered by the contract until his obligations are fulfilled. It further directed him to deliver master recordings sufficient for one album.
The dispute dates to 2016, when Runtown sought to leave the label amid allegations of breaches, including unapproved bookings and tours. He announced his exit in 2018 and obtained a restraint against the label in 2019, but the latest order reasserts the contract’s continuing force. Runtown has not publicly detailed any plans to appeal.
