By Adenike Lawal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has suspended the arrest of Ezekiel Onyedikachi, manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, amid allegations of $345,000 fraud.
Onyedikachi, accused of misappropriating funds from Chinwo’s royalties and event earnings, was charged on Friday through his lawyer, Monday Ubani (SAN).
The EFCC had previously obtained an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Lagos, alleging Onyedikachi diverted royalties meant for Chinwo.
However, Ubani argued that the EFCC misrepresented the case, framing a contractual dispute as a criminal matter.
He disclosed that Onyedikachi had filed a fundamental human rights suit to challenge the arrest and also raised preliminary objections to the fraud charges.
EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari informed Justice Alexander Owoeye that, despite the arrest order, it remained unexecuted.
She requested to serve the charges directly to Onyedikachi’s lawyer, which Ubani accepted, rendering the warrant unnecessary.
Justice Owoeye scheduled February 14 for Onyedikachi’s arraignment and the hearing of pending applications.
The case underscores the complexities of financial accountability and management in the entertainment industry.
