A Federal High Court in Lagos has reaffirmed that the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains in force. Onyedikachi is facing allegations of fraudulent conversion of approximately $345,000 in royalties belonging to the singer.
Justice Alexander Owoeye made this ruling on Monday while adjourning the criminal case against Onyedikachi. The arrest warrant was initially issued on January 16, 2025, following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC Struggles to Serve Charges on Defendant
During the court session, EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari informed the judge that the commission had been unable to serve the charges on Onyedikachi because he had remained unreachable. As a result, the court granted the EFCC’s application for an arrest warrant against him.
At the last adjourned date on January 24, Onyedikachi’s counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, agreed to accept service of the charge on behalf of his client. However, the defence subsequently filed a preliminary objection challenging the charge against him.
Defendant Absent Again, Claims Accident
When the case was called on Monday, the defence counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, confirmed that he was representing the defendant. The prosecution was represented by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Ubani informed the court that the defendant was expected to be present for arraignment but claimed he had suffered a terrible accident earlier that morning. He assured the court that Onyedikachi would appear at the next scheduled hearing.
Attempting to move his preliminary objection, Ubani was stopped by Justice Owoeye, who insisted that the defendant must be present before the objection could be heard.
Prosecution Condemns Defendant’s Absence
Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) expressed his dissatisfaction with the defendant’s repeated absences. He argued that Onyedikachi’s conduct demonstrated disregard for the court, pointing out that he had failed to appear on three separate occasions.
Citing legal provisions, Oyedepo referenced Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and past judicial rulings in State vs Achara and FRN vs Yahaya Bello to support his argument that the defence’s approach was irregular.
Arrest Warrant Against Onyedikachi Remains Valid, Court Rules
The prosecutor also alleged that Onyedikachi was seen giving a media interview on the court’s premises shortly after the last adjournment. He described this act as shameful and an affront to the court’s integrity.
Oyedepo further argued that if the defendant was truly unwell, his legal team should have submitted a supporting affidavit rather than making verbal claims in court. He requested the issuance of a new bench warrant to ensure the defendant’s compulsory attendance at the next hearing.
Court Upholds Existing Arrest Warrant
In a brief ruling, Justice Owoeye declared that the initial bench warrant issued on January 16 remained valid, as it had not been withdrawn. The judge ordered that Onyedikachi must appear in court for arraignment on the next scheduled date, either through the enforcement of the bench warrant or by his defence counsel producing him.
By mutual agreement between both parties, the court adjourned the case to March 6, 2025, for the defendant’s arraignment.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing case.
Court Orders Arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s Manager Over Alleged $345,000 Fraud
