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Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Mercy Chinwo’s Manager Over Alleged $345,000 Embezzlement Scandal

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 17th, 2025.

Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Mercy Chinwo’s Manager Over Alleged $345,000 Embezzlement Scandal

A Lagos Federal High Court has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, in connection with an alleged $345,000 misappropriation. The order was granted on Thursday, January 16, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the proceedings, EFCC’s counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that the application was made under the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to secure the manager’s appearance in court on charges of criminal misconduct.

Supporting the motion, an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Michael Idoko outlined a complaint from Chinwo against Onyedikachukwu. The gospel artist accused her manager of collecting royalties from her digital platforms and live performances without clear accounting, and is believed to have diverted the sum of $345,000 without remitting her share.

EFCC counsel further revealed that previous efforts to apprehend Onyedikachukwu had failed, prompting the request for the arrest warrant. She also indicated that a public summons would be issued if the manager cannot be located. The court approved the request and scheduled the next hearing for January 24.