Mercy Chinwo’s Former Manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, Breaks Silence Over Allegations
Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, has spoken out following allegations of fund diversion and withholding royalties made against him by the artist.
A Federal High Court in Lagos had, on Thursday, issued an arrest warrant for Onyedikachukwu over claims that he embezzled $345,000 belonging to Chinwo.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the case, alleging that Onyedikachukwu diverted funds from Chinwo’s digital music earnings and event revenue.
The prosecution, led by Bilikisu Buhari, cited provisions from the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as the basis for seeking his arrest.
The EFCC also warned that if he is not apprehended, they would issue a public declaration listing him as wanted. The court adjourned the case to January 24 for arraignment.
Onyedikachukwu Responds, Accuses Chinwo of Contract Breach
Reacting to the allegations via an Instagram post on Friday, Onyedikachukwu, who is also the CEO of EeZee Conceptz, accused Mercy Chinwo of breaching their contract and being ungrateful.
“You have received over $625,000 from EeZee Conceptz to date, yet you spread falsehoods about a bad contract,” he stated.
He further claimed that Chinwo had pressured him for years to sign her to the label, only to now use law enforcement and religious organizations against him.
Onyedikachukwu also alleged that the singer failed to deliver a third album as per their agreement and withheld funds meant for the label.
“I invested my blood, sweat, and hard-earned money into you. I housed you for months before securing two-bedroom apartments for both you and your band leader,” he added.
Claims of Illegal Detention and Extortion
Onyedikachukwu revealed that he had previously been detained by the EFCC for nine days in a location far from Lagos, where he claims he was forced to surrender $274,000 under duress.
“Despite that ordeal, I still did not publicly attack you. Instead, I reached out, proposed a reconciliation meeting, and even suggested an independent audit for transparency,” he stated.
He also questioned why Chinwo had avoided a resolution process outlined in their contract if her claims were legitimate.
“I Built Your Career,” Onyedikachukwu Tells Chinwo
In his statement, Onyedikachukwu accused Chinwo of attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue that she allegedly did not finance.
“For years, you’ve received both quarterly royalties and immediate remittances from the 50/50 agreement, yet this greed and betrayal persist beyond comprehension,” he wrote.
He reminded the singer of the role EeZee Conceptz played in her rise to fame, stating:
“I founded the label that built your platform, put food on your table, and gave you opportunities beyond your dreams. Through God’s grace, I did this, and no one can erase the role EeZee Concept played in building your influence.”
“I Will Trust the Legal System”
Despite the controversy, Onyedikachukwu reaffirmed his trust in the legal system, stating that he would not engage in a public battle but allow justice to take its course.
Quoting Proverbs 17:13, he warned:
“Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house.”
The case is set to continue in court, with more developments expected in the coming weeks.
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