A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has ruled that Nigerian singer Douglas Jack Agu, professionally known as Runtown, remains bound by his recording agreement with Eric Many Limited, pending the final resolution of the long-running legal dispute between both parties.In a ruling dated 16 July 2026, Justice O. A. Musa held that the recording agreement executed in June 2016 remains valid and enforceable, stating that it "has not been terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement" and therefore continues to subsist.
The court declared that Runtown remains under contractual obligations to Eric Many Limited and restrained him from taking any actions that would breach the terms of the agreement while the matter remains before the court.
According to the ruling, the artiste is required to fulfil his contractual obligations under the recording agreement until the dispute is finally determined. The court also prohibited him from engaging in activities that could be considered inconsistent with the contract.
In addition, the court awarded ₦53 million in costs and damages in favour of Eric Many Limited.
The ruling further states that the contractual relationship between both parties remains in force. As a result, performances, recordings, appearances, tours and other commercial activities covered by the agreement must comply with its terms until the court reaches a final determination.
The court also ruled that the 'RUNTOWN' name and trademark belong to Eric Many Records. It further ordered the singer to pay ₦266 million, representing what the label described as the outstanding balance of its investment and expenses under the recording agreement that had not been recouped.
The decision means that any future engagements, including proposed international performances such as a United Kingdom tour, would need to comply with the contractual obligations recognised by the court where they fall within the scope of the agreement. Whether any specific event can proceed would depend on the terms of the contract and any required approval from the record label.
Background to the Dispute
The legal dispute between Runtown and businessman Prince Okwudili "Dilly" Umenyiora, Chairman of Eric Many Entertainment, began in 2016 after disagreements emerged over the singer's attempt to exit his recording contract.
Eric Many alleged that Runtown breached the agreement by accepting performance bookings, recording music and arranging international tours without the label's authorisation. The dispute led to several court proceedings in both Nigeria and the United States, with interim court orders reportedly issued in 2016 restricting certain performances while the matter was being litigated.
In 2018, the parties returned to court after Eric Many claimed that Runtown had continued to perform and release music despite existing court orders. The label maintained that the artiste remained contractually bound and warned that third parties engaging him without its approval could face legal consequences.
Throughout the years, both parties have publicly claimed favourable outcomes at different stages of the litigation as the case continued through the courts.
The latest ruling represents a significant development in the long-running dispute, with the High Court affirming that the recording agreement remains in force, subject to the ongoing legal proceedings.
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