Court Reaffirms Arrest Warrant Against Eezee Tee Over Alleged Fraud

A Federal High Court in Lagos reaffirmed the arrest warrant against gospel music promoter, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as Eezee Tee, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of royalties owed to gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed the order while adjourning the case against Eezee Tee, who previously managed Mercy Chinwo. The court had originally issued the arrest warrant on January 16 following an ex parte application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mercy Chinwo had accused Eezee Tee of diverting approximately $345,000 in royalties that were rightfully hers. According to EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the prosecution had been unable to serve the charge on the defendant, as he had been unreachable. This led to the court granting the arrest warrant.

At a prior court date on January 24, defense counsel Dr. Monday Ubani had agreed to accept the service of the charges on behalf of the defendant. However, the defense filed a preliminary objection to the charges, leading the court to adjourn for the defendant’s arraignment.

On Monday, when the case was called, Dr. Ubani appeared for the defense, while Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) represented the prosecution. Ubani informed the court that the case was intended for the defendant’s arraignment, but that a preliminary objection had been filed. He also informed the court that he had spoken with the defendant, who claimed to have suffered a serious accident on the morning of the hearing, and would be available for the next date.

The judge then questioned, “Where is the defendant?” In response, Ubani stated that the defendant would appear at the next session. The defense’s attempt to present the objection was denied, as the court maintained that it could not hear the matter until the defendant appeared in person.

Justice Owoeye ruled that the court had not yet assumed jurisdiction over the case because the defendant’s plea had not been entered.

The prosecutor, Mr. Oyedepo, criticized the defense’s actions, calling the absence of the defendant on three separate occasions in a criminal trial “a show of shame and disrespect for the court.” He further noted that after the previous court session, the defendant had been seen giving media interviews on the court premises. Oyedepo argued that if the defendant was genuinely unwell, the defense should have submitted an affidavit as proof.

Oyedepo requested that the court issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance, stating it was necessary to maintain the court’s integrity. While the defense objected to this, asserting that they would personally ensure the defendant’s appearance, Oyedepo emphasized that the matter required a legal instrument.

In a brief ruling, the court confirmed that the original bench warrant still stood, as it had not been withdrawn. The defendant must appear on the next adjourned date, either via the existing bench warrant or by being brought in by his defense counsel.

The case was adjourned until March 6 for the defendant’s arraignment.