Court Orders Runtown to Return to Eric Many Record Label, Restrains Performances Without Label's Consent

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an order declaring that Nigerian music star Douglas Jack Agu, popularly known as Runtown, remains bound by his recording agreement with Eric Many Limited.

In the court order dated 16th July 2026, Justice O. A Musa ruled that the recording
agreement executed between Eric Many Limited and Runtown in June 2016 remains valid and binding, holding that it “has not been terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement” and continues to subsist between both parties. 

The court further declared that Runtown remains under contractual obligations to the label. The order also restrains the artist from breaching the recording agreement while the matter remains before the court.

The court specifically declared that the recording contract remains effective and that Runtown is obligated to perform his contractual duties under the agreement until the legaldispute is finally resolved. In addition, the court restrained Runtown from taking any action inconsistent with the agreement, including actions that could amount to a breach of the contract.

The court also awarded ₦53 million in costs and damages against the singer in favour of Eric Many Limited.

According to the ruling, the contractual relationship between Runtown and Eric Many remains in force. As a consequence, any performances, appearances, recordings, tours, or other commercial activities governed by the agreement would be subject to the terms of that contract until the court reaches a final determination.
 

The court ruling also confirmed that the name and trademark ‘RUNTOWN’ belongs to Eric Many Records while also awarding the record label the sum of #266 million to be paid in bulk forthwith being the outstanding balance from the label’s investment and expenses on the contract, which was yet to be recouped.

This means that any engagements; including any planned international performances such as a proposed United Kingdom tour, if they fall within the scope of the recording agreement would need to comply with the contractual obligations recognized by the court. Whether a specific event is permitted would ultimately depend on the terms of the contract and approval by the record label.

The legal battle between Runtown and billionaire businessman Prince Okwudili “Dilly” Umenyiora, Chairman of Eric Many Entertainment, dates back to 2016, when disagreements arose over the singer’s attempt to exit his recording contract.
 

At the time, Eric Many accused Runtown of breaching his recording agreement by accepting performance bookings, recording music, and planning international tours without the label’s authorization. The dispute resulted in multiple court proceedings in both Nigeria and the United States. In 2016, Nigerian and U.S. courts issued interim orders restraining certain performances while the contractual dispute was being litigated.

In 2018, the parties again returned to court after Eric Many alleged that Runtown continued to perform and release music despite existing court orders. The label maintained that the artiste remained contractually bound and that third parties dealing with him without the label’s approval could face legal consequences.

Over the years, both sides have publicly claimed legal victories at different stages of the litigation, while the contractual dispute continued through various proceedings. 

With the latest ruling, Eric Many has secured the final declaration affirming that the recording agreement remains in force.

Find attached the full court ruling below….