Music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee, has reaffirmed his commitment to proving his innocence in the fraud case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His lawyer, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), made this known on Monday when the case came up for hearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Ubani, who appeared for the defendant, informed the court that he had filed two preliminary objections to the charge but was withdrawing them.
However, when the presiding judge, Justice Alexander Owoeye, inquired about his client’s whereabouts, Ubani said, “I received a call from the defendant, who said he had a terrible accident this morning.”
He assured the court that his client would be available at the next hearing to take his plea.
The judge ruled that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the case since the defendant had not taken his plea. He also declined to hear the defence’s preliminary objection, stating that Onyedikachi needed to be present in court first.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) argued against granting further leniency, stating, “My lord, it is a show of shame and outright disrespect for this court, for the defendant to be absent on three different occasions in a criminal trial.”
He insisted that if Onyedikachi was truly indisposed, an affidavit should have been filed as proof. Oyedepo then urged the court to issue a bench warrant to ensure the defendant’s attendance, emphasizing the need to uphold the court’s integrity.
Ubani objected, pledging to personally produce his client at the next hearing, but the prosecution maintained that the court’s authority should not be undermined. Oyedepo stated, “The court issued a legal instrument, compelling the appearance of the defendant.”
Justice Owoeye ruled that an earlier bench warrant for Onyedikachi’s arrest still stood, pending either his voluntary appearance or production by his lawyer.
The court adjourned the case to March 6 for arraignment.
