COURT UPHOLDS ARREST WARRANT FOR MERCY CHINWO’S EX-MANAGER EEZEE IN ALLEGED FRAUD CASE
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A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has upheld the arrest warrant against Mr. Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as Eezee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, who is accused of fraudulently diverting approximately $345,000 in royalty payments meant for the singer.
Justice Alexander Owoeye, presiding over the case, confirmed that the arrest warrant remains valid while adjourning the criminal proceedings against Onyedikachi.
The warrant was initially issued on January 16 after an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following allegations from Mercy Chinwo that Onyedikachi had diverted the funds without remitting them. According to EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, efforts to serve the charges on the defendant were unsuccessful as he had become unreachable.
At a subsequent court session on January 24, Onyedikachi’s defense counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), had pledged to accept service of the charges on the defendant’s behalf but raised a preliminary objection to the charges. The court then adjourned the case for the defendant’s arraignment.
At the latest hearing, the defense counsel informed the court that Onyedikachi had allegedly suffered a serious accident on the morning of the proceedings, resulting in his absence. However, when questioned by the judge about the defendant’s whereabouts, Dr. Ubani explained that the defendant would be present at the next hearing. The court, however, stated it could not proceed with the defense’s objection until the defendant appeared before it.
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Prosecuting counsel Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) expressed frustration with the defense’s conduct, noting that the defendant had been seen in the court’s vicinity granting media interviews shortly after the last adjournment. Oyedepo argued that this behavior disrespected the court and demanded that an affidavit be submitted to substantiate the defendant’s claim of illness.
The prosecutor further requested that the court issue a bench warrant to ensure the defendant’s presence at future hearings, stating that the integrity of the court must be maintained. Although the defense counsel objected, he ultimately agreed to personally produce Onyedikachi in court. The prosecution, however, argued that the defense’s honor was not sufficient to guarantee the defendant’s appearance.
In a brief ruling, Justice Owoeye confirmed that the arrest warrant remains in effect, ordering the defendant to appear for arraignment on the next adjourned date, set for March 6. The court stated that Onyedikachi could be brought to court either by the bench warrant or by production through his defense counsel.
The case continues to draw attention, as it involves a high-profile figure from the gospel music industry and raises questions about financial misconduct and accountability in the entertainment sector.
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