Gospel music label EeZee Conceptz has firmly denied fraud allegations leveled against its CEO, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee), by gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.
Chinwo accused her former label boss of fraudulently diverting $345,000 in royalties from digital platforms and events while failing to disclose earnings owed to her. She also alleged breach of trust and claimed that Onyedikachukwu had been evading arrest.
However, in a statement released to Tribune Online, EeZee Conceptz refuted these allegations, stating that Mercy Chinwo has received over $625,000 in earnings under their 50/50 revenue-sharing agreement, which the label claims to have honored transparently.
The label also accused Chinwo of breaching her contract, particularly by failing to deliver her third studio album as stipulated in their agreement. They further alleged that she withheld funds from events, royalties, and digital content that were due to the label.
Despite these alleged breaches, EeZee Conceptz said they made several attempts to resolve the dispute amicably, including proposing reconciliation meetings, which they claim Chinwo ignored.
EeZee Conceptz emphasized its significant financial investment in Chinwo’s music, including production, promotion, and distribution, asserting that the singer did not contribute financially to her own body of work. They maintained that all intellectual property and assets related to her catalog remain the label’s property as per the contract terms.
Addressing Chinwo’s public allegations, EeZee Conceptz challenged her to publicly disclose her bank statements and records of music production expenses during her time with the label to prove any financial discrepancies.
The label also accused law enforcement agencies of mishandling the case, claiming that their CEO was illegally detained for nine days by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during which $274,000 was allegedly extorted from him under duress.
EeZee Conceptz expressed concern over what they described as “a misuse of institutional processes” to escalate the dispute. They urged industry stakeholders, fans, and media to approach the issue with objectivity and avoid one-sided narratives.
“We remain committed to the rule of law and trust that the legal system will ensure a fair resolution to this matter. The allegations of fraud are not only baseless but also an attempt to undermine the years of investment, mentorship, and support provided to Mercy Chinwo through EeZee Conceptz,” the statement read.
As the legal battle unfolds, EeZee Conceptz reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the continued promotion of gospel music in Nigeria and beyond.
