Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the former manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, has responded to the recent allegations leveled against him by the singer, following claims of diverting funds and withholding royalties.
A Federal High Court in Lagos had issued an arrest order for Onyedikachukwu on Thursday, accusing him of embezzling $345,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the motion, alleging that Onyedikachukwu misappropriated funds from Chinwo’s digital music platforms and event earnings.
Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled February 14, 2025, for Onyedikachukwu’s possible arraignment.
On Friday, Onyedikachukwu took to Instagram to defend himself, accusing Chinwo of being ungrateful and breaching their contract.
He wrote, “You have received over $625,000 from EeZee Conceptz to date, yet you spread falsehoods about a bad contract.” He further stated, “You pursued me for years and even involved third parties to secure a deal, yet now you weaponize law enforcement and religious organizations against me.”
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Onyedikachukwu contended that Chinwo had failed to fulfill her obligations under their agreement, including delivering a third album and returning funds intended for the label.
He expressed frustration, saying, “It’s disheartening to see lies being spread and efforts to weaponize law enforcement and religious affiliations against me. 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 also claimed that he had attempted to resolve the issue amicably, proposing a reconciliation meeting and suggesting an independent audit to ensure transparency. Onyedikachukwu further revealed that he had been illegally detained by the EFCC for nine days last year, during which $274,000 was allegedly extorted from him.
Despite this, he said, “Last year, I was illegally detained by EFCC for nine days, far from Lagos, where our business took place. Under duress, $274,000 was extorted. Yet, I still didn’t resort to dragging you publicly. As a law-abiding citizen, I chose to follow the legal processes outlined in the contract you signed with Eezee Conceptz.”
Onyedikachukwu questioned Chinwo’s motives, asking, “If your hands are clean, why avoid the Multidoor resolution process in our agreement? Why manipulate institutions to bully me?”
He also accused her of attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue that he fully funded and of discrediting the same contract that had been beneficial to her.
“Discrediting same document that you have hugely benefited from. Kindly post your bank statements and songs recorded 3 years before you were signed and 3 years after you got signed,” he added.
“Let me remind you: 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…”
Onyedikachukwu concluded, citing Proverbs 17:13, “Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house,” in his final remarks.
The allegations and ongoing legal proceedings have created a tense situation between the former manager and the gospel artist, as the matter continues to unfold.
