The Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, citing an ongoing administrative process that must be resolved before proceedings can continue.
Onyedikachukwu, along with his company, Eezee Tee, is facing charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to money laundering and the dishonest conversion of $340,000.
The allegations have drawn significant public attention due to his previous association with the celebrated gospel artist. The EFCC claims that Onyedikachukwu’s financial dealings involved illicit activities, warranting a formal legal process.
During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution was led by Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari on behalf of the EFCC, while the defense was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu and Dr. Monday Ubani. Both legal teams expressed their preparedness to proceed with the arraignment.
However, Justice Alexander Owoeye declined to take Onyedikachukwu’s plea, emphasizing that the case could not advance until the pending administrative issue was fully addressed.
While the court did not specify the exact nature of this administrative hurdle, the judge’s decision indicated that procedural formalities must first be satisfied before the matter could be heard substantively.
The defense team, in its argument, insisted that the allegations against Onyedikachukwu were more of a contractual disagreement rather than a criminal offense. They contended that the nature of the dispute did not warrant criminal prosecution and should instead be resolved through civil litigation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
This position suggests that Onyedikachukwu’s legal team may be gearing up to challenge the EFCC’s framing of the case, possibly seeking to have the charges dismissed or reclassified. Meanwhile, the prosecution remains steadfast in its claim that financial impropriety and fraudulent dealings are at the heart of the matter, warranting the court’s full attention.
Following Justice Owoeye’s refusal to proceed with the plea, the court adjourned the case to May 14, allowing time for the outstanding administrative process to be completed. As the legal battle unfolds, the case is expected to attract more scrutiny, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
For now, Onyedikachukwu and his legal representatives must await the court’s next move, while the EFCC prepares to press its case further. The adjournment prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the former manager’s legal fate, leaving many observers eager to see how the proceedings will ultimately unfold.
