By Our Reporter
A Federal High Court in Lagos issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, following allegations of financial misconduct.
Chinwo has accused Onyedikachukwu of diverting $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events, claiming he received the funds without proper disclosure and failed to remit her rightful share.
The arrest warrant was granted by Justice Alexander Owoeye after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex parte motion seeking the manager’s arrest. Bilikisu Buhari, representing the EFCC, explained that the application was made under various sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to ensure Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court.
The EFCC also warned that, should they fail to arrest the manager, a public summons would be issued to declare him wanted. The case was adjourned until January 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
In support of its application, the EFCC submitted an affidavit detailing a petition from Mercy Chinwo, in which she accused her manager of the alleged financial misconduct. Investigator Michael Idoko, who deposed the affidavit, noted that all prior attempts to arrest Onyedikachukwu had been unsuccessful before the warrant was issued.