A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The order was granted by Justice Alexander Owoeye after a motion was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the manager’s arrest.
During the proceedings, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, representing the EFCC, informed the court of the application 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 moved for the issuance of the arrest warrant to compel the manager to appear in court to answer to criminal charges.
Buhari further stated that if the manager could not be apprehended, the EFCC would issue a public summons and declare him wanted.
The court granted the request and scheduled the case for January 24, 2025, for the manager’s arraignment.
According to an affidavit filed by EFCC investigator Michael Idoko, the commission received a petition from Chinwo accusing her manager of receiving royalties from her digital platforms and events without disclosing them to her.
The gospel singer claims that Onyedikachukwu diverted approximately $345,000, failing to remit her share.
Despite efforts to apprehend him, the manager remains at large, prompting the court’s order for his arrest.
