A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, February 17, 2025, ruled that the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains in effect.
Justice Alexander Owoeye made the pronouncement while adjourning the criminal charges against Onyedikachi, who is accused of fraudulently diverting $345,000 in royalties meant for Chinwo.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured an arrest warrant for Onyedikachi on January 16 after he failed to respond to charges filed against him.
At a previous hearing, his lawyer, Dr. Monday Ubani, had promised to accept service of the charges, but Onyedikachi has remained absent from court proceedings.
During Monday’s session, Ubani informed the court that his client had an accident that morning and assured the judge that Onyedikachi would appear at the next hearing.
However, Justice Owoeye refused to entertain any objections from the defence, stating that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction since the defendant had not been arraigned.
Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) criticized Onyedikachi’s absence, calling it a “show of shame” and accusing him of disrespecting the court.
He further revealed that Onyedikachi was seen giving a media interview after a previous court session, despite claiming to be unavailable for trial.
The court upheld the existing bench warrant and ordered that Onyedikachi must appear for arraignment at the next hearing, scheduled for March 6.