Nigerian Content Creators Guild Confirms Amicable Settlement Over Sabinus’ Something Hooge Trademark Disputes

PCCSIGN confirms an amicable resolution between comedian Sabinus and major brands over the Something Hooge trademark. Read about the landmark IP settlement.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 9:25 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

A Landmark Settlement for the Nigerian Creator Economy

The Practitioners of Content Creators, Skit-Makers and Influencers Guild of Nigeria, or PCCSIGN, has officially confirmed the successful resolution of a high profile trademark dispute involving popular comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, known professionally as Sabinus. Ambassador Micheal Obinna Nwabufo, the president of the guild, revealed that the conflict centered on the viral catchphrase “Something Hooge,” which had been utilized by major consumer brands in various promotional activities. This resolution marks a significant turning point for the creative industry, signaling that digital assets and catchphrases carry substantial legal weight in the modern Nigerian marketplace.

The Genesis of the Billion Naira Legal Challenge

The dispute began when legal representatives for the comedian initiated massive claims against two of Nigeria’s most prominent food and beverage entities. According to official reports, the creators sought ₦1 billion from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, the producers of Peak Milk, and an additional ₦100 million from UAC Foods Limited, the makers of Gala sausage rolls. The litigation was rooted in the assertion that these brands had integrated Sabinus’ creative identity and trademarked linguistic assets into their corporate advertising without securing prior authorization or establishing a formal commercial agreement.

Formalizing Intellectual Property in the Digital Age

Central to the resolution was the verification of the “Something Hooge” phrase as a legally protected entity within the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment’s Industrial Property Office Registry. Official records indicate that the word mark was filed on November 26, 2021, and received formal acceptance just days later on December 4. By registering the phrase under Class 35 for advertising, Class 36 for financial affairs, and Class 41 for entertainment and cultural activities, the creative team established a robust legal foundation that treated the comedic catchphrase as a recognized intellectual property asset.