A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant against Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The warrant was granted on Thursday after Chinwo accused Onyedikachukwu of diverting $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events. She claimed that Onyedikachukwu collected the funds without properly disclosing the transactions and failed to give her the share she was entitled to.
Justice Alexander Owoeye issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Bilikisu Buhari, representing the EFCC, told the court that the application was made under sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to ensure Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court over the allegations.
“If we cannot arrest the manager, we will issue a public summons declaring him wanted,” Buhari stated.
The EFCC revealed that it had received a petition from Chinwo accusing her manager of financial misconduct. Michael Idoko, an EFCC investigator, explained in an affidavit that Onyedikachukwu had allegedly been receiving royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events but failed to disclose the transactions and diverted the funds.
“All attempts to arrest Onyedikachukwu before now were unsuccessful,” the affidavit noted.
The court has adjourned the case to January 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
