The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, was denied by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Justice Alexander Owoeye, the court will not take up the matter until the conclusion of an existing administrative procedure.
Onyedikachukwu and his business, Eezee Tee, were accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of dishonestly converting $340,000 and laundering money.
Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) and Dr. Monday Ubani represented the defense at Thursday’s hearings, while prosecutor Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the EFCC.
Buhari notified the court that arraignment was scheduled, and the defense affirmed that they were prepared to move forward. However, Justice Owoeye explained that because of continuing administrative procedures, he was unable to take the arraignment.
Ojukwu, the defense attorney, then asked for assurance on whether the parties should keep things as they are. However, the court reaffirmed that no decisions would be taken until the administrative procedure was finished.
Reminding the court that he had earlier committed to presenting the defendant, Ubani now did so. Despite acknowledging this, the court upheld its ruling.
After reaching a consensus, the court postponed the matter to May 14.
According to the accusations, Onyedikachukwu allegedly withheld money from events and internet platforms run by Chinwo.
The EFCC obtained an arrest warrant for Onyedikachukwu on January 16 but revoked it on January 24, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The court mandated his appearance for arraignment on February 17.
The defense, meantime, has submitted a preliminary objection, claiming that the case was not criminal in nature but rather a contractual disagreement.
(NAN)
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