A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The order was granted by Justice Alexander Owoeye after the EFCC sought the warrant to compel Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court to face allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
EFCC counsel Mrs Bilikisu Buhari presented the application, citing Sections 35 to 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution.
Buhari informed the court that, if unsuccessful in arresting the manager, the EFCC would issue a public summons to declare him wanted.
She argued that the arrest was necessary for Onyedikachukwu to answer charges related to alleged financial misconduct.
The EFCC’s affidavit, filed by investigator Michael Idoko, supported the application.
It revealed that Mercy Chinwo had accused her manager of diverting approximately $345,000 from her royalties without proper disclosure.
The EFCC also stated that efforts to apprehend the manager had proven unsuccessful, prompting the warrant request.
The court granted the application and adjourned the case to January 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
