Court Lifts Arrest Warrant Against Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager Over Alleged $345k Fraud

A Federal High Court in Lagos has lifted an arrest warrant against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over allegations of financial mismanagement involving $345,000.

Justice Alexander Owoeye vacated the warrant on Friday following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, had obtained the warrant on January 16, citing Ezekiel’s failure to attend court proceedings.

The commission accused him of diverting royalties from Mercy Chinwo’s digital platforms and events, failing to remit her share, and engaging in criminal activities.

When the case was heard, the defence counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, argued that the EFCC had misled the court into granting the arrest warrant, claiming the matter was purely contractual.

He informed the court that the defendant had filed a fundamental rights suit against the EFCC and a preliminary objection to the charge.

Buhari acknowledged that the EFCC had been unable to arrest the defendant but requested to serve the charges on his lawyer, who accepted them in court.

She added that with the charges now served, the arrest warrant might no longer be necessary.

Justice Owoeye adjourned the case to February 14 for the possible arraignment of the defendant and the hearing of pending applications.