The founder of Eeze Conceptz Limited, Mr. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has denied the allegations made by popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, labeling them as untrue and baseless. Onyedikachukwu’s lawyer, Mr. Maxwell Opara, issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that Chinwo’s accusations against his client were not only false but also misleading.
According to Opara, Chinwo had breached her contract with Eeze Conceptz Limited, which was a record label and management agreement. Opara also claimed that Chinwo falsely reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that Onyedikachukwu had committed financial wrongdoing, including the alleged diversion of $345,000 in royalties that belonged to Chinwo.
The lawyer further explained that Onyedikachukwu was never Chinwo’s manager, as claimed in the allegations. Rather, Onyedikachukwu is described as the singer’s producer, who discovered and nurtured her talent in 2017. He promoted Chinwo and played a significant role in her rise to prominence in the gospel music industry.
Opara addressed the claims made by the EFCC, which reportedly based its arrest warrant request on false information, including the mistaken assertion that Onyedikachukwu was Chinwo’s manager. He stressed that the allegations about fund diversion were entirely false and that Onyedikachukwu’s ability to be reached was well known to both Chinwo and the EFCC.
The lawyer revealed that legal steps were being taken to challenge the arrest warrant issued against Onyedikachukwu. Opara stated that the facts and evidence would eventually clarify the situation and that the court would make a fair decision.
The ongoing dispute also involves the singer’s contract, which Opara claims was a five-year agreement starting in 2017. This contract, he says, outlines the ownership of music catalogues and royalty splits between the label and the artist.
Additionally, Opara noted that Onyedikachukwu had been detained by the EFCC in April 2024, during which time the commission audited his bank accounts but found no evidence of misconduct. A fundamental rights enforcement suit was filed against the EFCC and others, which sought to prevent further harassment of Onyedikachukwu.
The situation took another turn when the EFCC sought an arrest warrant against Onyedikachukwu, accusing him of diverting royalties. Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued the arrest order, and Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment is scheduled for January 24, 2025.
Opara concluded that the legal team would continue to resist these allegations, which he believes are aimed at damaging the reputation of Eeze Conceptz and its founder, using legal means to clear their name.
