Former manager of gospel artist, Mercy Chinwo, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has broken his silence after allegations of diversions of funds and withholding royalties levelled against him by the singer.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Lagos had on Thursday ordered Onyedikachukwu’s arrest over claims of embezzling $345,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the motion, accusing Onyedikachukwu of diverting funds and withholding royalties from Chinwo’s digital music platforms and event earnings.
The prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, who represented the EFCC, cited legal provisions under the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as grounds for the arrest.
The EFCC had announced that if Onyedikachukwu is not apprehended, they will issue a public summons to declare him wanted.
The court, however, adjourned the case until January 24 for arraignment of the manager.
But, the EeZee Conceptz CEO, while reacting to the allegations by Chinwo in an Instagram post on Friday, accused the gospel singer of being ungrateful, stating that she breached their contract.
“You have received over $625,000 from EeZee Conceptz to date, yet you spread falsehoods about a bad contract,” Onyedikachukwu wrote, adding, “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.”
He alleged that Chinwo failed to fulfill her obligations under their agreement, including the delivery of a third album, and withheld funds intended for the label.
“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.
“You breached our contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds meant for the label from content and events. When this happened, I didn’t attack you. Instead, I reached out, proposing a reconciliation meeting and even suggesting an independent audit for transparency,” he wrote.
Onyedikachukwu also revealed his previous encounter with the EFCC and claimed that he was illegally detained for nine days in a location far from Lagos, during which $274,000 was allegedly extorted from him.
“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.
“If your hands are clean, why avoid the Multidoor resolution process in our agreement? Why manipulate institutions to bully me? You deny the contract when it speaks of your obligations and our benefits, but quote it when it benefits you.
“Discrediting same document that you have hugely benefited from. Kindly post your bank statements and songs recorded 3years before you were signed and 3years after you got signed.
“You’re now attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue I fully funded.. a body of work you never contributed financially to.
“For years, you’ve received both quarterly royalties and immediate remittances from the 50/50 agreement, but this greed and betrayal that persists are beyond comprehension.
“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…
“I’ll continue to act lawfully, trusting the legal system and God to defend my peace and reputation. As Proverbs 17:13 says, “Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house,” he added.
