Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing her manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, of diverting $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events.
According to Chinwo, Onyedikachukwu received the funds without proper disclosure and failed to remit her rightful share.
The EFCC has obtained a court order to arrest Onyedikachukwu.
Justice Alexander Owoeye approved the order following a motion filed by the EFCC, which sought the manager’s arrest to compel his appearance in court to answer charges related to criminal offenses.
The EFCC investigator, Michael Idoko, revealed that despite efforts to arrest the manager, their attempts had been unsuccessful, prompting the request for an arrest warrant.
The court has adjourned the case until January 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.
If found guilty, Onyedikachukwu faces serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
The case also raises questions about the management of Mercy Chinwo’s career and the measures in place to protect her interests.
She was born on September 5, 1990, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Chinwo started singing at a young age and was part of her church choir. She attended the University of Port Harcourt, where she studied International Relations.
Her music career began in 2012 when she won the Nigerian Idol Season 2 competition.
Chinwo’s breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of her hit single “Excess Love,” which gained massive airplay and became a huge success. She subsequently released her debut album, “The Cross: My Gaze,” in 2018.
Chinwo has won several awards, including the African Gospel Music Awards, Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, and City People Music Awards.
She is married to Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa of The Waterbrook Church.
