The manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, was issued an arrest warrant by a Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a request ex parte asking for the manager’s arrest, and Justice Alexander Owoeye approved the order.
On Thursday, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari declared her attendance before the EFCC during the case call.
In accordance with Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, she notified the court of an application filed by the EFCC.
As a result, the attorney filed the application, requesting permission to issue an arrest warrant for the manager.
According to her, the purpose of the warrant would be to force the manager to appear in court and answer for alleged criminal offences.
Buhari said that the panel would issue a public summons to declare the manager wanted if it was unable to arrest him.
The application was approved by the court, and the case was postponed until January 24 in order to allow for the manager’s arraignment.
The EFCC said in an affidavit supporting the application that Chinwo had petitioned it against the manager.
Mr. Michael Idoko, a commission investigator, deposed to the affidavit.
The gospel singer claimed that the manager was secretly collecting royalties from all of her engagements and internet channels.
The gospel singer alleged that the manager embezzled approximately $345,00 without paying her portion, according to the EFCC.
It stated that attempts to apprehend the manager were unsuccessful, hence an arrest warrant application was required.
The manager’s arraignment was postponed by the court until January 24.