By Prosper Mene
The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, has granted N20 million bail to Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee, a music producer and former manager of celebrated gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The ruling follows allegations of a $255,000 foreign exchange transaction fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), casting a spotlight on the complexities of the music industry and the challenges faced by women like Chinwo navigating its business landscape.
EeZeeTee, CEO of EeZee Global Concept Ltd, faced an amended seven-count charge accusing him of unauthorized forex transactions and failing to disclose financial activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) between 2022 and 2023. The EFCC alleges that in June 2023, EeZeeTee negotiated a $52,895 forex deal with Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke without Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) authorization, with his company receiving $255,436 during the period without proper disclosures. EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty, and the trial is adjourned to June 20, 2025.
For Mercy Chinwo, a leading figure in Nigeria’s gospel music scene, the case shows the often unseen struggles of female artists in an industry where trust in management is paramount. Chinwo, known for hits like Excess Love, has not publicly commented on the case, but earlier allegations, later dropped by the EFCC, suggested EeZeeTee misappropriated her earnings. These claims, though unproven, highlight the vulnerability of women in music who rely on managers to handle complex financial dealings. Chinwo’s rise to fame, built on her talent and faith-driven music, has made her a role model for many young women, yet this case reveals the potential pitfalls even successful female artists face when business relationships sour.
Justice Aneke set EeZeeTee’s bail at N20 million, requiring a surety with Lagos property worth the same amount. EeZeeTee was temporarily released to his lawyer, Ojukwu Chikaosolu (SAN), with 72 hours to meet the conditions. Defense counsel argued for lenient bail, citing EeZeeTee’s role as the sole caregiver for his two ill children and ongoing settlement talks. The EFCC opposed, alleging EeZeeTee evaded service, with tensions peaking when operatives attempted to rearrest him outside court, only for a senior official to intervene.
The case cites the need for greater transparency in the music industry, particularly for women like Chinwo, who often juggle artistic demands with the pressures of navigating financial and legal complexities.
