The Federal High Court in Lagos has set February 14, 2025, for the possible arraignment of Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned Nigerian gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, over allegations of $345,000 fraud. Justice Alexander Owoeye fixed the date after listening to arguments surrounding the case, which has attracted significant public attention due to its high-profile nature.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Thankgod of diverting royalties and mismanaging funds from Mercy Chinwo’s digital platforms and events. According to the EFCC’s counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, Thankgod failed to remit Chinwo’s earnings, an act classified as financial misappropriation. “The defendant has continuously evaded arrest despite the court’s warrant,” she added, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Defense Challenges EFCC Allegations
However, Ezekiel Thankgod’s counsel, Monday Ubani, SAN, argued that the case is not criminal but contractual. He revealed that his client had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit to stop the EFCC from executing the arrest warrant, describing it as unjustified. “This is a contractual dispute that doesn’t warrant criminal charges,” Ubani stated, while also filing a preliminary objection to the charges.
During Friday’s proceedings, Ubani accepted service of the charges on behalf of his client in open court, negating the need for an arrest warrant.
He then requested a date for the hearing of the preliminary objection. Responding, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case to February 14 for the arraignment and to address the pending applications.
Mercy Chinwo’s former manager faces mounting allegations tied to financial mismanagement, a case that has caused debates about the intersection of contractual agreements and criminal liability in the entertainment industry.
With February 14 looming, all eyes are now on the Federal High Court as Nigerians await the resolution of this contentious matter.
