A Federal High Court in Lagos reaffirmed the active arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager.
Meanwhile, Justice Alexander Owoeye emphasized this stance during Monday’s hearing.
The court continues addressing financial misconduct allegations against Onyedikachukwu, underscoring ongoing legal scrutiny.
Additionally, proceedings highlight efforts to resolve the case decisively.
The case stems from claims by Mercy Chinwo that her former manager misappropriated $345,000 in royalties due to her.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a three-count charge against Onyedikachukwu, alleging money laundering and fraudulent diversion of funds.
Background and Arrest Warrant
At an earlier sitting, EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari-Bala informed the court that efforts to serve the charges on Onyedikachukwu had been unsuccessful, as he had allegedly made himself unreachable.
This prompted the court to issue an arrest warrant at the EFCC’s request.
On January 24, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Monday Ubani appeared on behalf of Onyedikachukwu and sought to have the arrest warrant vacated.
However, the EFCC opposed the motion, arguing that the defendant had been evading service of the charges.
With the court’s approval, the charges were subsequently served on Onyedikachukwu through his lawyer, Ubani, and the matter was adjourned for arraignment.
Defendant’s Absence and Preliminary Objection
When proceedings resumed Monday, Ubani stated the defendant missed court due to a claimed morning accident.
Additionally, he pledged Onyedikachukwu’s attendance at the next hearing.
However, Justice Owoeye dismissed Ubani’s objection to the charges, stressing jurisdiction required the defendant’s plea first.
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Consequently, she deferred arguments until formal arraignment.
This decision underscores procedural adherence, prioritizing jurisdictional protocols before addressing substantive challenges.
Meanwhile, the case remains pending until the defendant’s appearance.
Prosecution’s Concerns
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the EFCC, expressed dismay over Onyedikachukwu’s repeated absence from court.
He described the defense’s approach as “strange” and cited Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to support his position.
Oyedepo accused the defendant of disrespecting the court and noted that Onyedikachukwu had been seen within the court premises granting media interviews after a previous adjournment.
The prosecutor argued that if the defendant was genuinely indisposed, this should have been substantiated through an affidavit.
He urged the court to issue a bench warrant to compel Onyedikachukwu’s attendance, stressing that such action was necessary to uphold the court’s integrity.
Defense’s Position
In response, Ubani objected to the issuance of a new bench warrant and pledged to personally ensure his client’s appearance at the next hearing.
However, Justice Owoeye ruled that the original bench warrant issued by the court remained valid, as it had not been withdrawn.
The court has adjourned the matter to March 6 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment. Justice Owoeye reiterated that the defendant must appear in court on that date to address the charges against him.
This case continues to attract public attention, given its high-profile nature and the serious allegations involved. The court’s firm stance underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability and respect for judicial proceedings.
