A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Justice Alexander Owoeye issued the decision on Thursday, January 16, following an ex parte request brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Mrs Bilikisu Buhari told the court of an application filed under the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The motion sought an arrest warrant to compel the manager to appear in court to face charges of criminal wrongdoing.
In support of the application, an affidavit signed by EFCC investigator Michael Idoko claimed that the commission received a petition from Chinwo against her manager.
The gospel singer claimed that Onyedikachukwu was collecting royalties from her internet platforms and events without adequate disclosure.
According to the document, the manager is accused of taking $345,000 without paying her part. The EFCC lawyer stated that previous efforts to arrest the manager had failed, necessitating the application for the warrant.
She added that if the manager could not be traced, the commission would issue a public summons. The court granted the EFCC’s application and scheduled the manager’s arraignment for January 24.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli