A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi has ordered Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, to appear in court for arraignment over an alleged $340,000 fraud case.
Justice A.O. Owoeye, presiding over the case, adjourned the arraignment to March 6, 2025, warning that Thankgod’s continued absence would not be tolerated. The defendant has repeatedly failed to appear in court, prompting the judge to uphold a bench warrant for his arrest, which was issued on January 16.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Thankgod with three counts of money laundering and dishonest conversion of funds belonging to Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo. One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod and EeZee Global Concepts Limited retained $260,494 in a Zenith Bank account, despite knowing the funds were obtained unlawfully.
At the latest hearing, the defense counsel claimed that Thankgod had been involved in a serious accident earlier that morning but assured the court he would appear at the next sitting. However, lead prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo dismissed the excuse, accusing the defense of disrespecting the court. He argued that the defendant had been seen granting media interviews within the court premises after previous hearings, despite failing to appear for arraignment.
Justice Owoeye ruled that the bench warrant remains in effect, and the defendant must appear in court on March 6, either voluntarily or by enforcement. The case continues to generate public interest, especially given Mercy Chinwo’s allegations that her former management attempted to sabotage her career.
