A Federal High Court in Lagos has confirmed that the arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains valid. This development comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Onyedikachukwu, who faces charges including money laundering and fraudulent diversion of funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been pursuing this case, accusing Onyedikachukwu of diverting $345,000 in royalties due to Mercy Chinwo.
EFCC Pushes Forward with Fraud Charges
During the hearing, the EFCC presented evidence showing that the defendant had been evading efforts to serve him the formal charges. Onyedikachukwu, accused of defrauding Chinwo, was said to have become unreachable, prompting the EFCC to request the court issue an arrest warrant. Justice Alexander Owoeye agreed to the request, ensuring the arrest warrant remained in effect as the case continued.
The Defendant’s Absence and Legal Disputes
At Monday’s court session, Onyedikachukwu’s lawyer, Monday Ubani, attempted to explain the absence of the defendant, citing a reported accident. Ubani assured the court that Onyedikachukwu would attend the next session. However, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, criticized the defendant’s repeated absence, calling it a disrespect to the court and a violation of procedural norms. The prosecutor also highlighted that Onyedikachukwu was seen after a previous session, granting media interviews within the court premises, further fueling suspicion about his absence from the legal proceedings.
The Court’s Response and Next Steps
Justice Owoeye emphasized that the court could not proceed with the arraignment until the defendant appeared. The judge’s ruling confirmed that the earlier arrest warrant issued by the court was still in force, and the defendant would be required to attend the next hearing scheduled for March 6.
The court continues to monitor the case closely, ensuring that the legal process remains fair and transparent.
