Court orders arrest for Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager over $345000 fraud

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains in effect over allegations of fraudulent conversion of $345,000 in royalties.

Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed the warrant on Monday while adjourning Onyedikachi’s criminal case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused the defendant of diverting Chinwo’s royalties without remittance, leading to the court’s initial arrest order on January 16.

At Monday’s hearing, Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Dr. Monday Ubani, informed the court that his client could not attend due to a “terrible accident” earlier in the day. However, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), challenged the claim, arguing that if the defendant was truly indisposed, a formal affidavit should have been presented as proof.

This was not the first time Onyedikachi failed to appear before the court. The prosecution described his absence as a “show of shame,” noting that at a previous hearing on January 24, the defendant was reportedly seen within the court premises granting media interviews shortly after the judge adjourned the case. Oyedepo contended that such conduct demonstrated a blatant disregard for the legal process.

Read also: Mercy Chinwo accuse Ex-Manager, Eezeetee of contract fraud

Ubani had earlier sought to move a preliminary objection challenging the criminal charge, but Justice Owoeye declined, stating that the court had not yet assumed jurisdiction because Onyedikachi had not been formally arraigned. The judge further emphasized that the defence could not be heard until the defendant was physically present in court.

The prosecution maintained that the court must take decisive action to preserve its integrity. Oyedepo pushed for a fresh bench warrant to compel Onyedikachi’s appearance, arguing that relying on the defence counsel’s “honor” to produce the defendant was insufficient.

In a short ruling, Justice Owoeye confirmed that the arrest warrant issued in January remains valid since it was never formally revoked. The judge ordered that Onyedikachi must appear before the court on the next adjourned date, either voluntarily or through enforcement of the subsisting warrant.

Following deliberations, both parties agreed to adjourn the case until March 6, 2025, for Onyedikachi’s arraignment.

Observers say the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how entertainment industry financial disputes are handled in Nigeria’s legal system. For now, all eyes remain on March 6, when Onyedikachi is expected—one way or another—to face the court.