The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against a well-known Nigerian music promoter, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, popularly known as Eezee Tee.
He was arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, for alleged foreign exchange violations and money laundering.
The case was heard on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke presided over the session. The EFCC presented a seven-count amended charge against ThankGod.
Accusations of illegal forex transactions
According to the EFCC, the charges stem from illegal financial activities dating back to June 2023. Investigators allege that ThankGod conducted foreign exchange deals without proper authorization. He is said to have negotiated the naira equivalent of $52,895 with a man identified as Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke.
The EFCC claims that ThankGod was not licensed to operate as a currency dealer at the time of the transaction. Nigerian law requires individuals or companies to register with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and obtain a license before engaging in foreign exchange trading.
Undeclared transactions raise suspicion
Further allegations emerged from financial activity in 2024. EFCC prosecutors say ThankGod failed to report large transactions to the appropriate authorities. Specifically, he is accused of receiving $137,383 into a corporate bank account without notifying the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
This failure to report is a violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. Under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, businesses are required to disclose large cash and electronic transactions to the SCUML to ensure transparency and prevent financial crimes.
In total, the EFCC claims that ThankGod and his company were involved in foreign exchange and money movement activities amounting to $397,106.
Laws cited in the case
The charges filed against ThankGod fall under two major Nigerian laws:
- The Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, which governs how forex transactions are handled in the country.
- The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which outlines steps financial institutions and individuals must take to prevent and report suspicious financial activities.
The EFCC has accused ThankGod of violating both laws.
ThankGod denies all charges
In court, ThankGod pleaded not guilty to all seven charges. His legal team requested bail. However, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, strongly opposed the application.
She argued that the music executive had previously ignored multiple invitations from the Commission during the investigation. She also claimed that ThankGod had tried to avoid being served with court documents, which raised doubts about his willingness to cooperate with the legal process.
Judge grants temporary release
Despite the EFCC’s objections, Justice Aneke decided to grant ThankGod temporary release. The judge ordered that the defendant be handed over to his lawyer, pending the outcome of the formal bail hearing.
The court has scheduled the ruling on the bail application for May 9, 2025.
Background on Eezee Tee
Eezee Tee is known in Nigeria’s gospel music scene. He is the founder of Eezee Global Concepts, a music label that has signed several top gospel artists. His company has played a key role in promoting gospel music within Nigeria and abroad.
The charges have sparked reactions across the entertainment industry, with many waiting to see how the case unfolds. Some of his supporters have called for a fair trial and have expressed hope that he will clear his name.
What happens next
As the legal process continues, the EFCC says it will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion. If found guilty, ThankGod could face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the court’s decision.
For now, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court as one of Nigeria’s top music promoters battles to defend his reputation.
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