The Federal High Court in Lagos has upheld the bench warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as Eezeetee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over an alleged $345,000 fraud.
Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed the warrant on Monday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission sought Onyedikachi’s arrest for allegedly diverting royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.
The court had initially issued the bench warrant on January 16 and adjourned the case to January 24 for Onyedikachi’s arraignment. However, his lawyer, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), challenged the warrant, arguing that the matter was a contractual dispute rather than a criminal case. He also revealed that Onyedikachi had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit to prevent his arrest and had not been served with any charges.
In response, EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari stated that the commission had been unable to arrest Onyedikachi and requested the court’s permission to serve the charges on his lawyer. Ubani accepted service in open court but sought a date to argue a preliminary objection against the fraud allegations. Justice Owoeye then adjourned the case to February 14 for possible arraignment.
However, the hearing did not proceed on February 14 as the court did not sit. At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ubani informed the court that Onyedikachi was absent due to a domestic accident. EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), insisted that the day’s proceedings were meant for arraignment.
Ubani objected, arguing that Onyedikachi’s plea could not be taken while jurisdictional issues were unresolved. He attempted to move an objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but Justice Owoeye ruled that the defendant must be present before any applications could be heard.
Oyedepo criticized Onyedikachi’s repeated absence, describing it as a “show of shame” and an attempt to disrespect the court. He noted that after failing to appear on January 24, Onyedikachi was seen giving media interviews within the court premises. He also dismissed the claim of a domestic accident, stating that no medical evidence was provided.
The EFCC urged the court to enforce the bench warrant to compel Onyedikachi’s appearance. While Ubani assured the court he would personally ensure his client’s presence, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case to March 6, 2025, for arraignment.
