A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has confirmed the validity of the arrest warrant issued against Mr. Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as Eezee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over allegations of fund diversion.
Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over the case, upheld the warrant while adjourning the proceedings to March 6, 2025, for the defendant’s arraignment.
The warrant, initially granted on January 16, 2024, followed an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Onyedikachi is accused of diverting approximately $345,000 in royalties owed to Mercy Chinwo.
At the hearing on Monday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that despite efforts, the prosecution had been unable to serve the defendant with the charge, as he remained unreachable.
The defence counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), had previously undertaken to accept service on behalf of Onyedikachi. However, when proceedings resumed, Onyedikachi was absent.
Ubani explained to the court that Onyedikachi had called him earlier, claiming to have been involved in a “terrible accident” that morning. He assured the court that the defendant would be present at the next hearing.
Ubani sought to move a preliminary objection challenging the charge, but the court declined. Justice Owoeye emphasized that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction since the defendant had not taken his plea.
“The presence of the defendant is essential. Until he appears before this court, we cannot entertain any preliminary objections,” the judge ruled.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), criticized Onyedikachi’s repeated absence, describing it as a “show of shame and outright disrespect” for the court.
“My lord, this is the third time the defendant has failed to appear in a criminal trial,” Oyedepo stated. He further alleged that Onyedikachi was seen giving media interviews within the court premises shortly after the last adjournment.
Oyedepo requested the court to issue a fresh bench warrant to secure the defendant’s appearance, arguing that his alleged accident should have been supported by an affidavit.
Ubani objected to the issuance of another warrant, pledging on his honour to ensure the defendant’s presence at the next hearing. However, Oyedepo countered that the defence counsel’s personal assurances were irrelevant, as a legal order to appear had already been issued.
In a brief ruling, Justice Owoeye affirmed that the bench warrant issued earlier remained in force, as it had not been revoked.
“The bench warrant still subsists. The defendant must appear before this court at the next adjourned date, either by execution of the warrant or by voluntary production by his counsel,” the judge ordered.
The matter was adjourned to March 6, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendant.
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