17th January, 2025
Renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has taken legal action against her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, accusing him of diverting $345,000 in music royalties.
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a motion to ensure Onyedikachukwu’s appearance in court.
In response, the Lagos State Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant for the ex-manager, who has reportedly evaded attempts to be taken into custody.
The EFCC revealed that Chinwo had submitted a petition alleging that Onyedikachukwu failed to remit her rightful share of royalties from online platforms and concert earnings. Justice Alexander Owoeye approved the arrest warrant on Thursday, paving the way for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment on January 24, 2025.
The legal tussle comes after Mercy Chinwo’s 2022 departure from EeZee Conceptz, a record label founded by Onyedikachukwu. Chinwo, who gained prominence after winning the second edition of Nigerian Idol in 2017, reportedly left the label due to financial disputes.