Court orders arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s manager over alleged $345,000 fraud

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

The ruling was made on Thursday following an ex parte motion brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking the manager’s arrest.

During the court session, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the EFCC and informed the court about an application made under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Sections 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

 She requested a warrant to compel the manager to appear in court to answer for the criminal offenses he is allegedly facing. Buhari noted that if the commission is unable to arrest the manager, it would issue a public summons declaring him wanted.

After considering her arguments, the court granted the application and adjourned the case until January 24, 2025, for the manager’s arraignment.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the EFCC stated it received a petition from Chinwo against her manager.

The affidavit, submitted by EFCC investigator Mr. Michael Idoko, alleged that the gospel singer accused her manager of receiving royalties from all her digital platforms and events without disclosure.

The EFCC claims that the manager diverted approximately $345,000 without remitting her share. Efforts to arrest the manager have reportedly failed, prompting the request for a warrant.

The court has scheduled the case to resume on January 24 for the manager’s arraignment.