A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachi, ex-manager to gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, over alleged fraudulent conversion, as the defendant failed to appear in court once again.
Justice Alexander Owoeye reaffirmed that the arrest warrant issued against Onyedikachi remains valid.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier secured the warrant after the defendant became unreachable, despite multiple attempts to serve him the charge.
Chinwo accuses Onyedikachi of diverting approximately $345,000 in royalties owed to her.
The EFCC prosecution team, led by Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), has criticized the defence’s handling of the case, labelling the defendant’s repeated absences as a “show of shame” and a disregard for the court’s authority.
At the latest hearing, Onyedikachi’s lawyer, Dr Monday Ubani, claimed that his client was involved in a “terrible accident” earlier that morning, preventing his appearance.
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However, Oyedepo challenged this assertion, stating that a sworn affidavit should back any claim of medical incapacity.
The prosecution further pointed out that, despite previous no-shows, Onyedikachi had been spotted within the court premises granting media interviews.
This, Oyedepo argued, demonstrated a deliberate effort to evade legal proceedings.
Justice Owoeye declined to entertain the defence’s preliminary objection, stating that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction since the defendant had not taken his plea.
The judge maintained that Onyedikachi must appear in court on the next adjourned date either voluntarily or under the force of the standing bench warrant.
The next hearing is set for March 6, with the court signaling that continued absences may lead to stronger enforcement measures.
