The manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has been issued an arrest warrant by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In response to a motion ex parte filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which sought the manager’s detention, the judge issued the order on Thursday.
Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari confirmed her attendance before the EFCC on Thursday when the case was brought up.
In accordance with Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Buhari then notified the court of an application filed by the EFCC.
She did, however, file the application to have the manager’s arrest warrant issued.
According to her, the purpose of the warrant would be to force the manager to appear in court and answer for alleged criminal offenses.
Buhari said the panel would issue a public summons to declare the manager wanted if it was unable to arrest him.
After hearing her arguments, the court approved the application and postponed the matter until January 24, 2025, when the manager will be arraigned.
The EFCC said in an affidavit supporting the application that Chinwo had petitioned it against the manager.
Mr. Michael Idoko, a commission investigator, deposed to the affidavit.
According to him, the gospel singer claimed that the manager was secretly collecting royalties from all of her engagements and digital channels.
The gospel singer said that the manager took approximately $345,000 without paying her portion, according to the EFCC.
It claimed that because attempts to apprehend the manager were unsuccessful, an arrest warrant had to be requested.
The manager’s arraignment was postponed by the court until January 24.
ALSO READ:
The Dangote Refinery Aims To Import Oil And Forecasts 650,000 Barrels Per Day In June.
