Mercy Chinwo Takes Ex-Manager to Court Over Alleged $345K Music Royalties Diversion
Renowned gospel artist Mercy Chinwo has initiated legal proceedings against her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, accusing him of diverting $345,000 in music royalties.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become involved in the case, filing a motion to secure Onyedikachukwu’s court appearance. Following this, a Lagos Federal High Court issued a warrant for his arrest.
According to the EFCC, Onyedikachukwu is alleged to have withheld Chinwo’s rightful share of royalties from her online platforms and concert performances. The Commission stated in an affidavit that its efforts to locate and apprehend him had been unsuccessful, necessitating the court’s intervention.
Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the EFCC’s application for the arrest warrant on Thursday. Onyedikachukwu is expected to face arraignment on January 24, 2025.
Mercy Chinwo’s petition to the EFCC reportedly highlighted financial discrepancies during her time with EeZee Conceptz, the record label owned by Onyedikachukwu, which she joined in 2017 after winning the second edition of Nigerian Idol.
Chinwo parted ways with the label in September 2022, citing unresolved financial disagreements, a move that drew significant public attention at the time.
Neither Onyedikachukwu nor EeZee Conceptz has publicly responded to the allegations.
