Court issues arrest warrant for Mercy Chinwo’s manager over alleged $345,000 Fraud

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of well-known gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

The warrant was granted on Thursday following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, representing the EFCC, informed the court that the application was made under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Buhari urged the court to compel Onyedikachukwu to appear to face criminal charges, stating that the EFCC would issue a public summons declaring him wanted if the arrest could not be carried out.

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The affidavit submitted by the EFCC in support of their application contained a petition from the well-known singer Mercy Chinwo. In her petition, she made serious allegations against her manager, claiming that he had been improperly taking royalties that rightfully belonged to her. These royalties were meant to come from her various digital platforms and the events she has held.

Mercy Chinwo stated that her manager, Onyedikachukwu, had diverted a substantial amount of money, estimating that it was around $345,000. This amount represented her earnings, which he supposedly failed to pass on to her.

The EFCC, which is the agency responsible for combating financial crimes, reported that they had tried several times to locate and apprehend the manager in question, but their efforts had not been successful. As a result of these ongoing difficulties in tracking him down, the agency found it necessary to seek an official arrest warrant for him. The court agreed to the EFCC’s request and decided to postpone the case. The matter is now set to be revisited on January 24, 2025, when arrangements will be made for the manager’s arraignment in relation to these serious allegations.