Alleged $345,000 Fraud: Court orders arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager

• The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the arrest of Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, for allege theft of $345,000 in royalties and event earnings.

• Justice Owoeye granted a warrant for Onyedikachukwu’s arrest following an EFCC application alleging financial crimes against his client.

• EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, filed a motion to compel Onyedikachukwu’s arrest, citing his repeated evasion of law enforcement efforts.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has authorized an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of prominent gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, in connection with allegations of misappropriating $345,000 in royalties and earnings from events.

Justice Alexander Owoeye issued the warrant on Thursday in response to a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused Onyedikachukwu of engaging in financial misconduct against his client.

During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari presented a motion based on Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. She urged the court to order Onyedikachukwu’s arrest, asserting that he had consistently evaded law enforcement efforts to bring him to justice.

“The respondent has been untraceable despite our diligent efforts to investigate and apprehend him,” Buhari told the court.

The EFCC revealed that Mercy Chinwo, one of Nigeria’s most esteemed gospel singers, had lodged a formal complaint against her manager, alleging that he had collected significant royalties from her digital music platforms and performance earnings without proper disclosure or remittance.

An affidavit presented to the court outlined claims that Onyedikachukwu misappropriated approximately $345,000 (around ₦260 million) owed to Chinwo over an unspecified duration.

While Chinwo has not yet issued an official public statement regarding the incident, sources indicate that she has conveyed feelings of profound disappointment and betrayal. Renowned for her popular songs such as Excess Love and Chinedum, Chinwo has established herself as a leading figure in gospel music both in Nigeria and internationally, garnering millions of followers and a global audience.

These developments have caused significant upheaval within Nigeria’s gospel music sector, igniting discussions about the need for greater accountability and transparency in artist management.

The EFCC has reported that multiple efforts to locate Onyedikachukwu have proven fruitless, necessitating the issuance of an arrest warrant. Buhari cautioned that should Onyedikachukwu persist in avoiding apprehension, the commission would publicly declare him a wanted individual through official notices.

“His refusal to cooperate has hampered the progress of the investigation,” Buhari added.

Justice Owoeye granted the request, underscoring the importance of Onyedikachukwu addressing the charges against him. The case has been postponed until January 24 for his formal arraignment.

This situation has reignited discussions regarding financial fraud within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Artists, particularly in the music sector, often depend significantly on managers to handle their income sources, such as royalties, performance fees, and brand partnerships. However, this dependency has occasionally resulted in exploitation, as illustrated by this case.

Industry experts are advocating for more stringent regulations and accountability measures to protect artists’ earnings. Gospel artist Buchi Atuonwu expressed his thoughts on the issue, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see such betrayal in a space that should be built on trust. This is a wake-up call for all creatives to prioritize financial literacy.”

Mercy Chinwo’s ascent from winning Nigerian Idol in 2012 to becoming a prominent figure in gospel music is truly extraordinary. Her powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics have garnered her numerous accolades, including the Africa Gospel Awards Festival (AGAFEST) Artist of the Year in 2019.

Chinwo’s music, which is deeply anchored in Christian faith and spirituality, has impacted lives globally. Nevertheless, her success has also rendered her vulnerable to exploitation, as evidenced by the ongoing allegations.