A mild drama unfolded on Thursday after the arraignment of Ezekiel Onyedikachi, also known as EzeeTee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, who is facing charges of allegedly converting $840,477, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Journalists from the electronic media had positioned their cameras to record the parties leaving the court premises. However, in an unexpected turn, EzeeTee suddenly bolted from the court and ran, with media personnel capturing snapshots of him as he fled.
Earlier, the arraignment was stalled due to an administrative procedure.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 15-count amended charge, accusing EzeeTee of conversion and money laundering.
When the charge, marked FHC/L/578C/2025, was called, EFCC’s counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, announced her appearance for the prosecution, while Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), alongside Dr Monday Ubani (SAN), announced their representation for the defendant.
However, the presiding judge, Justice Alexander Owoeye, halted the hearing due to what he described as an ‘administrative’ procedure.
The EFCC had initially filed a four-count charge against Onyedikachi, accusing him of the fraudulent conversion of $345,000. Onyedikachi, who had been absent at the previous court hearing, was present for his arraignment on Thursday.
After the parties announced their appearances, Justice Owoeye informed them that an administrative procedure was ongoing in respect of the case and that he would not be able to make any pronouncement until it was completed.
“There is an administrative procedure going on in this case, and until it is completed, I cannot make any pronouncement on it,” he said.
The judge also declined to grant the request made by Mr Ojukwu that the status quo should be maintained pending the completion of the administrative procedure.
The case was adjourned till May 14, 2025.
