$840,477 fraud: Court delays arraignment of Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager

The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachi (A.K.A) the former Manager to Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over alleged conversion, of $840,477, before the Federal High Court in Lagos was on Thursday stalled due to administrative procedure.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed a 15-count amended charge boarding on conversion, and money laundry preferred against him by EFCC.

When the charge marked FHC/L/578C/2025, was called EFCC’s counsel Bilikisu Buhari announced her appearance for the prosecution, while Chikaosolu Ojukwu, (SAN) along with Dr Monday Ubani,(SAN), announced for the defendant.

However, the presiding judge Justice Alexander Owoeye, stopped the hearing of the charge filed over what he described as an ‘Administrative’ procedure.

The EFCC had initially filed a four-count charge against Onyedikachi over the alleged fraudulent conversion of $345,000.

Onyedikachi who had been absent at the last court hearing was however present in court, for his arraignment on Thursday.

After the parties announced their appearances, Justice Owoeye informed them that there was an ongoing administrative procedure in respect of the matter and that he would not be able to make any pronouncement in the case.

“There is an administrative procedure going on in this case and until it is completed, I cannot make any pronouncement on it,” he said.

The judge also declined to grant the request by Mr Ojukwu that parties should maintain the status quo pending the completion of the administrative procedure.

Meanwhile, a mild drama, unfolded in court on Thursday, after the defendant emerged from the courtroom.

Journalists in the electronic media had positioned their cameras to record videos of the parties leaving the court premises, however, suddenly he took to his heels and ran out of the court while media men were seen taking snapshots of him as he ran.

The case was adjourned till May 14, 2025.