The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant against Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of gospel musician Mercy Chinwo.
Justice Alexander Owoeye issued a bench warrant against Onyedikachukwu last week after the EFCC filed an ex parte motion seeking to compel the music producer’s appearance in court to answer to alleged criminal charges.
The motion, presented by EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, cited constitutional and legal provisions for the warrant.
Buhari explained that the manager was accused of criminal activities related to financial mismanagement, including diverting royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.
The EFCC claims the manager misappropriated approximately $345,000 and failed to remit Chinwo’s share.
Buhari added that the EFCC was unable to arrest Onyedikachukwu after several attempts.
However, on Friday, January 24, 2025, Buhari applied to withdraw the arrest warrant.
During Friday’s proceedings, Ezekiel’s lawyer, Monday Ubani (SAN) told the court that the EFCC misled the court in granting the order for the arrest of his client as the subject matter was purely a contractual dispute.
Ubani told the court that his client filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the EFCC before another court seeking to stop his arrest.
Ubani also told the court that his client filed a preliminary objection to the charge against him and urged the court to vacate the earlier arrest warrant issued against him.
He also told the court that his client had not been served with any charge by the EFCC.
Responding, EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari told the court that the commission has been unable to arrest the defendant since the court ordered his arrest.
She requested the court’s permission to serve the charge on Ezekiel’s lawyer in the open court and further noted that there might be no need for the arrest warrant since Ubani has accepted the charge on behalf of his client.
Ubani, who received the charges on behalf of his client, however prayed the court for a date for the court to hear the preliminary objection against the fraud allegation charge.
Justice Owoeye thereafter fixed February 14 for possible arraignment and hearing of pending applications before the court.
