In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of acclaimed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The warrant, granted on January 16, 2025, by Justice Alexander Owoeye, follows allegations of financial misconduct involving the diversion of approximately $345,000 in royalties.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initiated the legal proceedings after receiving a formal complaint from Mercy Chinwo. Represented by counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the EFCC filed an ex parte motion under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 35 to 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The motion sought to compel Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court to address the criminal charges levied against him.
According to an affidavit deposed by EFCC investigator Michael Idoko, Chinwo accused her former manager of collecting royalties from her digital platforms and events without proper disclosure. The affidavit alleges that Onyedikachukwu diverted approximately $345,000, failing to remit Chinwo’s rightful share. Despite concerted efforts, the EFCC has been unable to apprehend Onyedikachukwu, leading to the application for an arrest warrant. The court has scheduled his arraignment for January 24, 2025.
Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu is the founder of EeZee Conceptz, a record label that signed Mercy Chinwo in 2017 following her victory in the second season of Nigerian Idol. In September 2022, reports surfaced that Chinwo had parted ways with EeZee Conceptz due to disagreements over financial matters.
This is not the first time Mercy Chinwo has found herself entangled in legal disputes. In April 2024, a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, summoned five individuals over allegations of criminal defamation against the singer and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa. The defendants were accused of spreading false claims about the paternity of Chinwo’s child, falsely linking gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey to the matter. The case, which involved charges of cyberstalking and injurious falsehood, highlighted the challenges public figures face with misinformation and defamation in the digital age. One of the accused, Okoronkwo Ejike, later issued a public apology for his actions, acknowledging the damage caused by his statements.”
The news of Onyedikachukwu’s alleged financial improprieties has elicited a range of reactions from the public and industry stakeholders. Many fans of Mercy Chinwo have expressed their support for the singer, commending her courage in addressing the issue through legal channels. Industry analysts have noted that this case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in artist-manager relationships, particularly concerning financial transactions.
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the potential ramifications for both parties involved. If found guilty, Onyedikachukwu could face significant legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, as stipulated under Nigerian law for financial crimes of this magnitude.
In the meantime, Mercy Chinwo continues to focus on her music career, with plans to release new material in the coming months. Her management team has stated that she remains committed to her fans and is determined not to let this legal dispute overshadow her artistic endeavors.
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