A Federal High Court in Lagos has reaffirmed its arrest warrant against singer Mercy Chinwo’s former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popular know as Eezee Tee, in an ongoing trial over alleged fraudulent conversion of funds.
Presiding over the case on Monday, Justice Alexander Owoeye maintained that the warrant remained valid while adjourning the trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sought Onyedikachi’s arrest after he was accused of diverting $345,000 in royalties meant for Chinwo.
The court had initially issued the arrest warrant on January 16, following an ex parte application by the EFCC. According to EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari, efforts to serve the defendant with the charges had been unsuccessful as he remained unreachable.
At the previous hearing on January 24, Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Dr. Monday Ubani, had agreed to accept service on his behalf. However, he also filed a preliminary objection to the charges.
During Monday’s proceedings, Ubani announced his appearance for the defendant, while senior EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) represented the commission. When the judge inquired about Onyedikachi’s whereabouts, Ubani informed the court that his client had been involved in an accident earlier that morning and was unable to attend.
Ubani requested permission to present the preliminary objection, but Justice Owoeye refused, stating that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the case since the defendant had not been arraigned.
Opposing the request, Oyedepo argued that Onyedikachi’s absence was a blatant disregard for the court, noting that he had been seen within the court premises giving media interviews after the last hearing. He urged the court to issue a bench warrant to compel his attendance.
Ubani, however, objected to the request, assuring the court that he would personally ensure Onyedikachi’s presence at the next hearing, citing his integrity as a senior lawyer.
In his ruling, Justice Owoeye held that the initial arrest warrant had neither been vacated nor withdrawn. He ordered that Onyedikachi must appear in court for arraignment on the next adjourned date, either by compliance with the bench warrant or through his lawyer’s guarantee.
The case was adjourned to March 6 for Onyedikachi’s arraignment.