Posted by Samuel on Thu 16th Jan, 2025 - tori.ng
The order was granted following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought the manager's arrest.
On Thursday, Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The order was granted following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought the manager's arrest.
When the case was called, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, representing the EFCC, informed the court of an application based on Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and several sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Buhari moved the application, requesting the court to issue a warrant to compel the manager’s appearance to answer to criminal charges.
She also stated that if the manager could not be arrested, the EFCC would issue a public summons declaring him wanted.
The court granted the request and adjourned the case until January 24 for the manager’s arraignment.
In support of the application, the EFCC filed an affidavit stating that it had received a petition from Chinwo accusing the manager of collecting royalties from her digital platforms and events without disclosure.
According to the affidavit, Chinwo claimed that the manager diverted about $345,000 without remitting her share.
The EFCC also stated that attempts to arrest the manager had been unsuccessful, leading to the application for the arrest warrant.
The court has set January 24 for the arraignment of the manager.