The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, a former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, was delayed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday due to an “administrative process” cited by the judge. Justice Alexander Owoeye informed the court that proceedings could not continue until the ongoing administrative process was completed. While the judge did not specify the nature of this process, it was reported that the defendant had submitted a petition to the Chief Judge of the court, alleging bias on the part of the trial judge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a three-count charge of money laundering and diversion of funds against Onyedikachukwu. He was present in court after having missed three previous arraignment hearings. On February 17, the court had issued a warrant for his arrest, which was still in effect.
When the case resumed on Thursday, the prosecution was represented by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, while a new defense counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), appeared alongside Monday Ubani (SAN), who had previously represented Onyedikachukwu. The prosecution informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant’s arraignment, and Ojukwu confirmed that the defense was ready to proceed.
However, the judge explained that the arraignment could not take place due to the ongoing administrative process. The defense sought clarification on whether the case should remain at a standstill, but the court ruled that no decisions could be made until the process was completed.
After an agreement between the parties, the court adjourned the case until May 14.
Outside the courtroom, a brief incident occurred when Onyedikachukwu attempted to evade a cameraman by running out through the back gate of the court.
In the amended 10-count charge filed on March 3, 2025, the EFCC accused Onyedikachukwu and his company, Eezee Tee, of money laundering and the dishonest conversion of $340,000 belonging to Mercy Chinwo. One of the charges reads: “That you Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu Thankgod and Eezee Global Concepts Limited, sometime in 2023 in Lagos, directly retained the sum of $260,494 in the Eezee Global Ministry Zenith Bank Plc account, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.”
According to an affidavit filed by EFCC investigator Michael Idoko, the anti-graft agency launched an investigation after receiving a petition from Mercy Chinwo, alleging that Onyedikachukwu had been receiving royalties from her digital platforms and events without proper disclosure.
The EFCC further claimed that he had diverted approximately $345,000 without remitting her share, leading to the request for an arrest warrant after earlier attempts to apprehend him failed.
