An arrest warrant has been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo on Thursday.
The order was issued after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex parte motion requesting the manager’s arrest.
During the hearing, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari representing the EFCC notified the court of an application citing Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and several provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Buhari presented the application, asking the court to issue a warrant to ensure the manager’s appearance to respond to criminal charges.
She also mentioned that if the manager could not be apprehended, the EFCC would issue a public notice declaring him as wanted.
The court approved the request and postponed the case to January 24 for the manager’s arraignment.
To support the application, the EFCC filed an affidavit stating that it had received a petition from Chinwo, alleging that the manager had collected royalties from her digital platforms and events without disclosure.
The affidavit stated that Chinwo accused the manager of diverting approximately $345,000 without handing over her share.
The EFCC also noted that efforts to apprehend the manager had failed, prompting the application for the arrest warrant.
The court has scheduled January 24 for the manager’s arraignment.
