Mercy Chinwo: EFCC Arraigns EeZeeTee on New Charges

Lagos, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn earlier allegations of fraudulent conversion of funds against gospel music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee, filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

In a statement following court proceedings on Wednesday, the EFCC confirmed the filing of a revised eight-count charge against EeZeeTee at the Federal High Court in Lagos, now focused on violations involving foreign exchange transactions and failure to report company earnings between 2022 and 2023.

One of the charges stated that EeZeeTee and his company, EeZee Global Concept Ltd, in June 2023, conducted an unauthorized foreign exchange deal involving $52,895 with an individual named Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke, in breach of regulations under the Foreign Exchange Monitoring Act. Another transaction of $18,775 was allegedly carried out with one Gift Ugochi Christopher, also outside the official market.

Upon arraignment, EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lead counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court of a bail application already served to the EFCC and urged for bail to be granted under lenient conditions, citing ongoing talks for out-of-court settlement.

However, EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari opposed the application, advocating for the defendant’s remand. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the matter, requested clarification on the nature of the defendant’s court appearance. While EFCC maintained that an arrest warrant had been issued, Ojukwu countered, stating EeZeeTee appeared voluntarily and had complied with administrative bail terms.

After deliberation, the judge deferred the ruling on bail until May 9, 2025, and ordered EeZeeTee released temporarily to his lawyer’s custody.

Tensions briefly flared outside the courtroom when EFCC operatives attempted to rearrest EeZeeTee. The situation was swiftly resolved after the intervention of a senior EFCC official, allowing the defendant to leave peacefully.

By Makinde oyinkansola| May 7, 2025