Renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has accused her manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, of diverting $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events. Following her petition, a court has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an arrest warrant to bring Onyedikachukwu to justice.
During a hearing, Justice Alexander Owoeye approved the warrant after the EFCC filed a motion seeking to compel the manager’s appearance in court to face criminal charges.
According to EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the application was made under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Buhari also stated that if Onyedikachukwu could not be located, the EFCC would issue a public summons declaring him wanted.
In an affidavit supporting the motion, EFCC investigator Michael Idoko confirmed that Chinwo’s petition detailed how Onyedikachukwu allegedly received and withheld her earnings without proper disclosure.
“The singer alleged that Onyedikachukwu had been receiving royalties from her digital platforms and events without proper disclosure and had diverted the funds, failing to remit her rightful share,” the affidavit stated.
Despite efforts to apprehend the manager, EFCC officials have been unable to locate him, necessitating the arrest warrant. The court has scheduled Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment for January 24, when he is expected to respond to the allegations against him.
