Court vacates arrest warrant against former manager of Mercy Chinwo

In a notable ruling on Friday, the Federal High Court in Lagos lifted an arrest warrant that had been issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of renowned gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.

The ruling by Justice Alexander Owoeye followed a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), signaling a new turn in the contentious case.

The EFCC had initially sought the arrest warrant on January 16, alleging Onyedikachi’s involvement in financial mismanagement.

According to the commission’s prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the former manager was accused of diverting royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events, amounting to approximately $345,000.

Buhari also alleged that Onyedikachi failed to remit Chinwo’s rightful share of the earnings.

However, when the case was called on Friday, Onyedikachi’s counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, argued that the EFCC had misrepresented facts to obtain the warrant.

Ubani maintained that the dispute between his client and the gospel singer was contractual in nature and did not warrant criminal proceedings.

He revealed that Onyedikachi had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC in a separate court, seeking to prevent his arrest.

Ubani further highlighted that no formal charges had been served on his client and urged the court to vacate the arrest warrant.

He also filed a preliminary objection to the charges, insisting that due process had not been followed in the case.

Responding to Ubani’s submission, Mrs. Buhari admitted that the commission had been unable to arrest Onyedikachi despite the warrant issued earlier.

She then sought the court’s permission to serve the charges directly to Onyedikachi’s legal counsel in open court. Ubani accepted the charges on behalf of his client, effectively nullifying the need for an arrest warrant.

The prosecutor noted that with the charges formally served, the EFCC was now focused on pursuing the case without further delays.

“Since the defence counsel has accepted the charges, the arrest warrant is no longer necessary,” Buhari stated.

The case has garnered attention not only for its financial implications but also for its potential impact on Mercy Chinwo’s thriving career.

Chinwo, one of Nigeria’s most beloved gospel singers, has remained silent on the matter but continues to focus on her music and ministry.

The court adjourned the case until February 14 for Onyedikachi’s possible arraignment and the hearing of all pending applications, including his preliminary objection to the charges.

Legal analysts predict that the case will hinge on whether the EFCC can prove criminal intent in what Onyedikachi’s counsel A