A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday declined the arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, citing an ongoing administrative process.
Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that the case could not proceed until the administrative matter was resolved.
Onyedikachukwu and his company, Eezee Tee, are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering and dishonest conversion of $340,000.
During the proceedings, EFCC prosecutor Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari announced the commission’s readiness for the arraignment, a stance supported by Onyedikachukwu’s defence team, led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) and Monday Ubani.
However, Justice Owoeye clarified that the court would not move forward until the administrative procedures were concluded. In response, Ojukwu sought confirmation on maintaining the status quo, but the court declined to make any pronouncement at this stage.
Ubani reminded the court that he had previously guaranteed Onyedikachukwu’s presence, which he had fulfilled. While the court acknowledged this, it maintained its position on delaying the arraignment.
By mutual agreement, the case was adjourned until May 14.
The EFCC’s charges accuse Onyedikachukwu of withholding funds from Mercy Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.
The anti-graft agency initially secured an arrest warrant for Onyedikachukwu on January 16 but later withdrew it on January 24. Following this, the court ordered Onyedikachukwu’s appearance for arraignment on February 17.
Meanwhile, the defence has filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the case is a contractual dispute rather than a criminal matter.
