EFCC Arraigns Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager, Eezee Tee, for Alleged $255K FX Breach
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly known as EeZeeTee and former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged money laundering involving $255,446.
Onyedikachukwu and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Ltd, face a seven-count amended charge related to unauthorized foreign exchange dealings and failure to disclose earnings, rather than misappropriation of Chinwo’s funds as earlier alleged.
Prosecuting counsel Bilikisu Buhari-Bala told Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that in June 2023, the defendant negotiated a $52,895 FX transaction with Oladotun Mureke without CBN authorization—violating the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
He is also accused of unlicensed FX dealings and failing to report company earnings between 2022 and 2023, during which the company received $255,436.
The EFCC alleged in Count One: “Ezekiel Onyedikachuwu Thankgod and Eezee Global Concepts Limited… negotiated a foreign exchange transaction… of $52,895.00 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke… contrary to Sections 5 and 29(1)(c)… and punishable under Section 29(2).”
In Count Two, they allegedly negotiated another $70,000 FX transaction in March 2021 with Avalan Chetrase 13 07 Company under similar circumstances.
Onyedikachukwu pleaded not guilty. While EFCC urged his remand, his lawyer Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) applied for bail, citing that his client’s two children are ill. He also said parties are in talks for an out-of-court resolution.
EFCC opposed the bail, noting a subsisting arrest warrant and alleged evasion of service. Buhari-Bala said, “My lord, this defendant has been evading service… It is our firm position that he does not deserve to be granted bail.”
The judge adjourned ruling on bail to May 9, 2025, and released the defendant to his counsel. Outside court, EFCC operatives attempted to re-arrest him, but eventually let him go peacefully.