The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager, has been stalled due to an administrative procedure.
Onyedikachukwu is facing a 10-count amended charge for allegedly converting $840,477, which includes charges of money laundering and dishonest conversion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially filed a four-count charge against Onyedikachukwu for allegedly converting $345,000. However, he was absent at the last court hearing.
At the recent court hearing, Justice Alexander Owoeye informed the parties 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. The judge declined to grant the request to maintain the status quo pending the completion of the administrative procedure.
The case has been adjourned until May 14, 2025. Onyedikachukwu is accused of directly retaining funds in the Eezee Global Ministry account, which he ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity.
In a related development, a bench warrant had been issued against Onyedikachukwu, which still subsists. The defendant had been absent at previous court hearings, prompting the EFCC to describe the procedure adopted by the defense as “strange.”
The EFCC alleged that Onyedikachukwu sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494, in the Eezee Global Ministry account which he ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity. The commission said he dishonestly converted the said sum property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.
The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu has been stalled due to an administrative procedure. The case has been adjourned until May 14, 2025. Onyedikachukwu is facing a 10-count amended charge for allegedly converting $840,477, which includes charges of money laundering and dishonest conversion.