A legal battle over the ownership of Burna Boy’s earliest catalogue has grown significantly, with Warner Music Group now drawn into proceedings that began as a corporate dispute between Nigerian music companies.
Lagos-based law firm Creative Legal, acting on behalf of 960 Music Limited, has formally notified Warner Music Group over the alleged unauthorized transfer of Burna Boy’s early catalogue, specifically his 2013 debut L.I.F.E and his 2016 follow-up Redemption. The firm is demanding that Warner immediately suspend all distribution, monetization, licensing, and marketing activities tied to those works until the matter is resolved in court.
As of the deadline set by Creative Legal, Warner Music had not responded to the notification. Managing partner Justin Ige confirmed the firm is now awaiting instructions from its client on whether to formally add Warner to the existing proceedings.
What 960 Music is claiming
At the center of the dispute is an alleged transfer of Burna Boy’s catalogue from Aristokrat Records Nigeria Limited to Spaceship Music Limited, the label associated with the artist and his mother, Bose Ogulu. 960 Music Limited, which holds a 40% stake in Aristokrat Records, argues it was neither informed of nor consulted about the transaction. The firm contends the transfer was executed without the required board or shareholder approval, making it legally invalid.
The civil case is currently before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt under Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/188/2024. The reliefs being sought include the nullification of the assignment and recovery of proceeds from the alleged sale. A separate criminal case has been filed in Lagos under Charge No. FHC/L/1087/2025, with allegations including fraudulent conversion of assets.
What Creative Legal is demanding from Warner
Beyond the suspension of commercial activities, Creative Legal has asked Warner Music to preserve all financial and royalty records connected to the catalogue, refrain from entering any new licensing or distribution agreements tied to the works, and provide written confirmation of compliance within seven days of receiving the notice.
The firm has stated publicly that adding Warner Music to the civil suit remains a live option if the company does not engage with the demands in good faith.
The broader allegations against Aristokrat Records
The dispute also targets Aristokrat Records chief executive Piriye Isokrari directly. Among the allegations are fraud, financial misconduct, and breach of fiduciary duty. 960 Music claims the proceeds from the catalogue sale were diverted and that the company failed to obtain the approvals required under its own corporate structure before completing the transaction.
Those allegations form part of both the civil and criminal proceedings currently working through the Nigerian court system.
What could change if 960 Music wins
A ruling in favor of 960 Music would carry significant consequences for Burna Boy’s catalogue and the companies distributing it. If the original transfer is nullified, the ownership of the masters for L.I.F.E and Redemption would return to legal uncertainty, potentially affecting how those recordings are commercially exploited worldwide.
Warner Music Group’s position as distributor for Spaceship Music makes it a central figure in that outcome, regardless of whether it was directly involved in the original transaction. The case represents one of the more significant tests of music rights law in Nigeria’s rapidly growing industry, and its resolution could set a precedent for how catalogue transfers are handled across the continent.
