EFCC Stops Mercy Chinwo Manager’s Arrest Over Fraud Claims
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially served fraud charges against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, manager of popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The charges, amounting to an alleged $345,000 fraud, were delivered to Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Monday Ubani (SAN), during a court session on Friday.
The EFCC had previously obtained an arrest warrant for Onyedikachi from the Federal High Court in Lagos after failing to detain him over accusations of financial mismanagement. The allegations include claims of diverting royalties from Mercy Chinwo’s digital platforms and events, as well as failing to remit her share of earnings.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari informed Justice Alexander Owoeye that Onyedikachi had engaged in criminal activities involving the misappropriation of significant funds. However, Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Ubani, argued that the issue was a contractual dispute, not a criminal matter, and accused the EFCC of misleading the court to secure the arrest warrant.
Ubani revealed that his client had filed a fundamental human rights suit against the EFCC in a separate court to prevent his arrest. He also submitted a preliminary objection to the fraud charges and requested the court to overturn the arrest warrant.
In response, the EFCC’s lawyer requested permission to serve the charges directly to Onyedikachi’s legal representative in court, noting that this could eliminate the need for the arrest warrant. Ubani accepted the charges on behalf of his client and asked for a hearing date to address the preliminary objections.
Justice Owoeye scheduled February 14 for the potential arraignment and to address all pending applications related to the case.
This development has sparked discussions about the nature of the allegations and Onyedikachi’s defense, as fans and stakeholders in the gospel music industry await further updates.
