Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The warrant was granted on Thursday following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Representing the EFCC, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari informed the court that the application was brought under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Buhari urged the court to compel Onyedikachukwu’s appearance to face criminal charges, adding that the EFCC would issue a public summons declaring him wanted if the arrest could not be executed.
The EFCC’s affidavit supporting the application detailed a petition from Mercy Chinwo accusing her manager of misappropriating royalties from her digital platforms and events. Chinwo alleged that Onyedikachukwu diverted approximately $345,000 without remitting her share.
The anti-graft agency revealed that efforts to apprehend the manager had been unsuccessful, necessitating the arrest warrant.
Granting the EFCC’s request, the court adjourned the matter to January 24, 2025, for the manager’s arraignment
