By Ayomide Otitoju
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains in force.
Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed the warrant during proceedings on Monday, following allegations that Onyedikachukwu fraudulently diverted $345,000 in royalties due to Chinwo. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a three-count charge against him, bordering on money laundering and fraudulent diversion of funds.
Defendant Evading Court Appearance
The EFCC had previously informed the court that Onyedikachukwu had been evading service of the charge, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant. However, during an earlier sitting on January 24, his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Monday Ubani, sought to have the warrant vacated. The EFCC opposed the request, arguing that the defendant had deliberately avoided being served. The court then granted the prosecution permission to serve the charge through Onyedikachukwu’s lawyer.
During Monday’s hearing, Ubani acknowledged that the case was scheduled for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment but informed the court that the defense had filed a preliminary objection challenging the charges. When asked about his client’s whereabouts, Ubani claimed Onyedikachukwu had suffered a “terrible accident” earlier that morning but assured the court of his availability at the next adjourned date.
Justice Owoeye declined to hear the preliminary objection, emphasizing that the court had not assumed jurisdiction over the matter since the defendant had yet to take his plea.
EFCC Condemns Defendant’s Conduct
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) criticized the defense’s approach, calling it a “show of shame” and a deliberate attempt to undermine the court’s authority. He noted that Onyedikachukwu had failed to appear in court on three occasions and alleged that after the previous hearing, the defendant was seen within the court premises granting media interviews despite claiming to be unavailable.
Oyedepo argued that if Onyedikachukwu was indeed indisposed, an affidavit should have been submitted as proof. He urged the court to issue a fresh bench warrant to compel the defendant’s attendance and protect the integrity of the proceedings.
Ubani opposed the request for a new warrant, pledging to personally ensure his client’s presence at the next hearing. However, Justice Owoeye ruled that the original bench warrant remained valid, as it had not been withdrawn.
The court adjourned the case to March 6 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
