Burna Boy catalogue legal dispute Aristokrat Records advances as court orders substituted service in case over alleged unlawful music sale

The criminal proceedings instituted against Aristokrat Records and Piriye Isokrari (COP vs Aristokrat, Anor FHC/L/1087/2025), seem set to commence in earnest following the granting of an application for substituted service filed by the prosecution.

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The trial of Aristokrat Records and Piriye Isokrari over the illegal sale of Burna Boy’s early catalogue without the knowledge and consent of 960 Music Group, the largest shareholder, had stalled since the December 9, 2025, commencement due to the defendants’ schemes to evade service.

During the hearing on Monday, April 20, 2026, the judge granted the prosecution’s prayer for substituted service to compel the arraignment of the defendant, who had repeatedly failed to appear before the court.

The motion by the prosecution was strengthened by proof that, whilst the defendants feigned ignorance of the charges, a certain law firm, Platinum Law, had indeed attached the same charge sheet to a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police protesting the criminal prosecution of its client, Piriye Isokrari.

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By this decision, Piriye Isokrari runs the risk of a bench warrant being issued for his arrest should he be absent from court on June 10, the next adjourned date.