EntertainmentHighlight

Court vacates arrest warrant against former manager of Mercy Chinwo

466

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

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Tinubu’s forex policy revolutionizes domestic airline operations – United Nigeria airline boss

The Founder of United Nigeria Airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has praised the...

NNPCL Dismisses Social Media Video Alleging Dispensing Poor Fuel Quality

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has issued a strong...

Kenyan Runner Edwin Koech Wins 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Carts Home $50,000

Kenya’s Edwin Kibet Koech has emerged victorious in the men’s division of...

Another Rep rejects allegation of $150m bribe from Binance Executive Gambaryan

Rep. Ginger Onwusibe, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on...

Lagos Assembly crisis: Obasa heads to court, challenges removal as Speaker

Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,...

FG Dismisses Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Allegations

The Federal Government has officially denied allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, a...

US congressman drops bombshell, accuses USAID of funneling taxpayers’ money to Boko Haram, ISIS, Al-Qaeda

A stunning revelation has rocked international circles as American Republican Congressman Scott...

African Union Launches Landmark Credit Rating Agency to Promote Regional Economic Integration

The African Union has taken a significant step towards promoting economic resilience...

UNIZIK expels student for assaulting lecturer

For allegedly assaulting a lecturer, authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik),...

Military chiefs’ visa denial: Canada declines comment, cites privacy concerns

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has acknowledged media reports concerning the...

FG approves 150 medical personnel for correctional centres nationwide

In a bid to boost healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s correctional centres, the...

Ex-Abia Attorney General, Ihediwa, Regains SAN Title After 7-Month LPPC’s Suspension

Seven months after his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was withdrawn, the...

2Baba’s family petitions DSS over singer’s mysterious disappearance amid marital issues

…I’m not engaged to him, she fires back The ongoing marital crisis...

Russia, Nigeria Set for Historic Friendly Match

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced that the country’s men’s national...

Pres. Tinubu Arrives in Ethiopia for 38th AU Summit

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday night to...

FCT President Cup: EFCC FC, Galadima FC, FWC FC, N-Youth Academy Secure Semifinal Spots

The stage is set for the semifinals of the FCT President Cup,...

Southwest Governors Move to Establish Joint Security Outfit to Counter Rising Banditry, Insurgency Threats

Amid rising concerns over the renewed spate of banditry and insurgency in...

Abiodun’s Investment Drive: Ogun to host West Africa’s largest cotton and apparel industry, targets 40,000 jobs

The biggest cotton and apparel industry in West Africa, with a capacity...

Fire ravages 7-Storey Lagos building, leaving trail of destruction

A devastating fire swept through a seven-storey commercial building located in the...

FCT Police, Military Join Forces to Neutralize Deadly Abuja Armed Robbery Gangs

A collaborative effort between the FCT Police Command, military personnel, and local...