In a dramatic twist in the ongoing legal case involving gospel music promoter Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a significant shift in its legal strategy.
The anti-corruption agency has removed all allegations linked to popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and has instead brought forward new charges focusing on financial reporting violations and foreign exchange transactions.
Previously, EeZeeTee, the Chief Executive Officer of EeZee Global Concept Ltd, was accused by the EFCC of misusing Chinwo’s earnings. However, during a court session on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the EFCC presented an amended eight-count charge, completely removing any reference to Mercy Chinwo.
The updated charges now center on EeZeeTee’s alleged failure to disclose company earnings and involvement in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions between 2022 and 2023. According to the EFCC, the company received a total of $255,436 during this period through its corporate account without proper financial declarations.
One of the major charges states:
“That you, Ezekiel Onyedikachi and EeZee Global Concept Ltd, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, not being an authorized buyer of foreign currency appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria under Section 5(1) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, CAP F34 LFN 2004, negotiated a foreign exchange transaction to wit: the naira equivalent of the sum of $52,895 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke.”
Another charge accuses the company of executing a similar forex deal worth $18,775 with one Gift Ugochi Christopher, allegedly without using Nigeria’s official forex system.
In response to these charges, EeZeeTee entered a plea of not guilty. His lead counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), confirmed that a bail application had already been submitted and served to the EFCC. He requested the court to consider bail under lenient conditions, noting that both parties were working toward an out-of-court settlement.
The EFCC’s legal representative, Bilikisu Buhari, objected to the bail plea and insisted the defendant be held until a decision is made.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the session, questioned the basis of EeZeeTee’s court appearance. While the EFCC stated that a warrant was issued, the defence countered that the accused had appeared voluntarily and was already on administrative bail. Ojukwu also pointed out that no evidence had been shown proving the EFCC had officially invited his client before the court date.
After hearing both sides, Justice Aneke decided to postpone his ruling on the bail request until May 9, 2025. Meanwhile, he directed that EeZeeTee be temporarily released to his lawyer.
