A Federal High Court in Lagos has reaffirmed its arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as Eezee Tee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Onyedikachi is wanted in connection with alleged fraudulent conversion.
Justice Alexander Owoeye made the ruling during a hearing on the criminal charges filed against Onyedikachi by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge issued the initial warrant on 16 January following an application by the EFCC.
Chinwo alleges that Onyedikachi misappropriated approximately $345,000 in royalty payments owed to her.
EFCC counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, previously informed the court that they had been unable to serve the charges on Onyedikachi as his whereabouts were unknown.
At a subsequent hearing on January 24, Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Dr Monday Ubani (SAN), agreed to accept service of the charges on his client’s behalf and informed the court of a preliminary objection to the charges. The case was then adjourned for Onyedikachi’s arraignment.
However, when the case resumed yesterday, Mr Ubani told the court that Onyedikachi had been involved in a serious road accident that morning and would be unable to attend.
The judge refused to hear the preliminary objection until Onyedikachi appeared in court, stating that the court had not yet assumed jurisdiction as the defendant had not entered a plea.
Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), described the defence’s actions as unusual, citing legal precedents and highlighting that Onyedikachi had been seen giving media interviews on court premises shortly after the previous hearing. He argued that if Onyedikachi was genuinely unwell, this should be supported by an affidavit.
Oyedepo requested a bench warrant to ensure Onyedikachi’s attendance, arguing it was vital to protect the court’s integrity. While Ubani opposed the bench warrant and offered to personally guarantee Onyedikachi’s appearance, Oyedepo insisted on a formal legal instrument.
Justice Owoeye ruled that the original arrest warrant remained in effect, as it had not been rescinded. He ordered Onyedikachi to appear at the next hearing for his arraignment, either under the existing warrant or through his lawyer’s undertaking. The case was adjourned to March 6 for Onyedikachi’s arraignment.
