A Federal High Court in Lagos has upheld the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed the decision on Monday, February 17, 2025, while adjourning Onyedikachi’s criminal case. The former manager is facing charges of fraudulently diverting $345,000 in royalties meant for Chinwo.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially secured an arrest warrant against Onyedikachi on January 16, after he repeatedly failed to respond to the charges filed against him. Despite promises from his legal counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, that he would accept service of the charges, Onyedikachi has remained absent from court proceedings.
At Monday’s hearing, Ubani informed the court that his client had been involved in an accident earlier that morning, which prevented him from attending. He assured the judge that Onyedikachi would appear at the next scheduled hearing.
However, Justice Owoeye dismissed the explanation, stating that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the case since Onyedikachi had not been formally arraigned. The judge maintained that the arrest warrant would remain in effect until the defendant appeared before the court.
Lead prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) strongly criticized Onyedikachi’s failure to appear, calling it a deliberate act of disrespect toward the court. He described the situation as a “show of shame,” arguing that the defendant had ample opportunity to respond to the charges but chose to evade justice.
Oyedepo further alleged that Onyedikachi had been spotted giving a media interview shortly after a previous court session, contradicting his claims of being unavailable for trial.
In light of Onyedikachi’s continued absence, the court upheld the existing bench warrant. Justice Owoeye reiterated that the defendant must appear in court for arraignment at the next hearing, which has been scheduled for March 6.
The case continues to draw public attention, given Mercy Chinwo’s prominence in the gospel music industry. The prosecution has emphasized the need for Onyedikachi to be held accountable, stressing that justice must be served in the matter.
