The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ruled that Nigerian singer Douglas Jack Agu, popularly known as Runtown, remains legally bound by his recording agreement with Eric Many Limited.
In a ruling delivered on July 16, 2026, Justice O. A. Musa held that the recording contract signed between Runtown and Eric Many Limited in June 2016 remains valid and enforceable. The court stated that the agreement “has not been terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement” and continues to remain in effect between both parties.
The court further affirmed that Runtown is still subject to the obligations contained in the contract and ordered that he must not take any steps that would amount to a breach of the agreement while the legal proceedings continue.
According to the ruling, the singer is expected to continue fulfilling his contractual responsibilities until the dispute is finally determined. The court also restrained him from engaging in activities that may conflict with the terms of the agreement.
As part of the judgment, the court awarded financial claims in favour of Eric Many Limited, including ₦53 million in costs and damages against the singer. The ruling also directed that Eric Many Records be paid ₦266 million, representing the outstanding balance of the label’s investment and expenses in the recording deal that had not yet been recovered.
The court further recognized Eric Many Records’ claim over the “RUNTOWN” name and trademark.
The judgment means that any professional engagements connected to the recording agreement — including music releases, performances, tours, appearances, and other commercial activities — must comply with the terms of the contract until the court delivers a final resolution on the matter.
This could affect future engagements, including proposed international performances, if such activities fall within the scope of the agreement. Whether specific events can proceed would depend on the contractual terms and the outcome of the ongoing legal process.
Background of the Dispute
The legal dispute between Runtown and billionaire businessman Prince Okwudili “Dilly” Umenyiora, Chairman of Eric Many Entertainment, began in 2016 following disagreements over the singer’s attempt to leave the record deal.
Eric Many had accused the singer of violating the agreement by accepting performance bookings, recording songs, and making plans for international tours without approval from the label.
The disagreement later developed into a series of court battles in Nigeria and the United States. During the early stages of the dispute in 2016, courts in both jurisdictions issued interim orders restricting certain activities while the contractual issues were being examined.
The latest ruling reinforces Eric Many’s position that the 2016 recording agreement remains active and that Runtown’s obligations under the deal continue until the court reaches a final decision.
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