Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The warrant followed an ex parte motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought the manager’s arrest.
During the hearing, EFCC representative Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari cited Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to support the application. She requested the court’s approval to compel the manager’s appearance to face criminal charges.
Buhari also noted that if Onyedikachukwu could not be apprehended, the EFCC would issue a public notice declaring him wanted.
The court approved the request and scheduled January 24 for the manager’s arraignment.
An affidavit submitted by the EFCC revealed that Chinwo had filed a petition accusing Onyedikachukwu of withholding royalties from her digital platforms and events. The affidavit alleged that the manager diverted approximately $345,000 without remitting Chinwo’s share.
The EFCC further stated that multiple attempts to arrest Onyedikachukwu had failed, prompting the need for the arrest warrant.
