The arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, a former Manager to Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over alleged conversion, on Thursday, could not proceed due to administrative process.
Justice Alexander Owoeye, said that there were administrative processes in the case which prevented him from proceeding.
The court held that it will not make any pronouncement on the case, until an ongoing administrative procedure on the matter is concluded.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged the defendant and his company Eezee Tee.
The anti graft agency accused the defendants of money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of 340, 000 dollars.
When the case was called on Thursday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) appeared with Dr. Monday Ubani for the defence.
The prosecutor, then informed the court that the matter was for arraignment of the defendant who is present in cour
On his part, defence Counsel, Ojukwu, also informed the court that the defence was ready to proceed.
The court, however, quickly informed parties that he will not be able to take the arraignment as scheduled.
He told counsel that there were ongoing administrative processes in the case, and so he cannot not take arraignment.
Defence counsel, Ojukwu then asked the court if by the instant position of the court, it then means parties should maintain status quo.
In response, the court said that it will not make any pronouncement on the case, until the administrative procedures were completed.
Following agreement of parties, the court adjourned the case until May 14.
In the charge, the defendant was alleged to have withheld funds from the gospel singer’s digital platforms and events.
Recall that on Jan. 16, EFCC had secured an arrest warrant against the defendant.
On Jan. 24, the prosecution withdrew the arrest warrant, while at the last adjourned date of Feb. 17, the court had ordered the defendant to appear in court for arraignment .
A mild drama however, unfolded in court on Thursday, after the defendant emerged from court.
Journalists in the electronic media had positioned to record videos of the parties leaving the court premises
The defendant, however, suddenly took to his heels and ran out of the court while media men were seen taking snapshots of him as he ran.
The case has now been adjourned to May 14
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