The Nigerian Christian Youth Network (NCYN), a Christian youth advocacy group, has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interfering in the contractual dispute between music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, known as EeZee Tee, and gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Michael Ekwere, the group called for intervention from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and prominent Christian leaders, expressing concern over the impact the dispute could have on the Christian music industry.
The NCYN emphasized that the issue between EeZee Tee and Mercy Chinwo is solely a contractual matter and does not fall under the EFCC’s jurisdiction.
The group expressed disappointment that the EFCC, which should focus on tackling the country’s significant economic and financial crimes, has instead become involved in a private dispute between a gospel artist and her record label, suggesting potential personal interests behind the commission’s involvement.
The statement reads: “As a faith-based organization, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing dispute between EeZee Tee and Mercy Chinwo, who are fellow believers. After thoroughly examining the situation, which has stirred significant attention in both Christian and secular circles, we have concluded that this is purely a contractual issue.
“Mercy Chinwo claims that her rightful earnings are being withheld by EeZee Tee’s record label, while the label asserts that Mercy has failed to account for the company’s share from her public engagements. This is clearly a matter that could be resolved in a civil court.
“We are, however, alarmed that the EFCC has become an instrument for one party to exert pressure on the other. Our investigation reveals that, acting on a petition, the EFCC froze EeZee Tee’s domiciliary account without a valid court order last year, detained him in Ilorin, Kwara State, for nine days, and even pressured him to pay Mercy Chinwo $274,000.
“When EeZee Tee challenged his unlawful detention through a fundamental rights suit, the EFCC swiftly sought an arrest warrant against him from another court. The EFCC has now filed a three-count charge against him in the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing him of ‘fraudulent conversion’ of Chinwo’s and another artist, Judikay’s, legitimate earnings.
“Based on these developments, it is evident that the EFCC is operating with questionable motives, either for personal or financial gain. We urge the EFCC chairman to intervene and ensure that his officers act in accordance with their true mandate.
“There is no justification for the commission to be used as a tool to harass, intimidate, or publicly disgrace individuals involved in what is fundamentally a civil dispute.
“We also call on the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to review this case and other similar instances where the EFCC has been accused of pursuing actions aimed at intimidating and embarrassing respected Nigerians.
“Finally, we appeal to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and other Christian leaders to step in, as this issue is detrimental to the well-being of the Christian music industry.”
