Entertainment
Court Confirms Validity of Arrest Warrant Against Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
Mercy Chinwo and Ex-manager Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu. The duo’s relationship have been fractured in the last weeks owing to contractual issues. Photo combo: Instagram@EeZee
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, remains in effect.
Justice Alexander Owoeye made this known at the resumption of proceedings in the matter on Monday.
In documents put before the court, Chinwo had alleged that the defendant diverted the sum of 345,000 dollars representing royalty due to her.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and fraudulent diversion of funds filed against him.
At a previous sitting of the court, the EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala had told the court that the prosecution was unable to effect service of the charge on the defendant who had made himself unreachable.
The court subsequently granted the application of the EFCC and issued a warrant for the arrest of the defendant.
At the last sitting of the court on January 24, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani, had appeared for the defendant and sought to vacate the arrest warrant.
But the EFCC reminded the judge that the defendant was evading being served with the charge and this was the basis of the warrant.
The EFCC counsel then sought permission from the court to serve the defendant’s charge on his counsel.
Following the court’s nod, Buhari-Bala served the charge on Onyedikachukwu through his lawyer, Ubani.
The court then adjourned for the arraignment of the defendant.
When the case was called on Monday, Ubani again announced appearance for the defendant, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo appeared for the EFCC.
Ubani then informed the court that the case ought to be for the arraignment of the defendant, but that the defence had a notice of preliminary objection challenging the charge before the court.
The judge then asked the counsel, “Where is the defendant?”
In response, Ubani told the court that he received a call from the defendant, who said he had a terrible accident this morning. The counsel assured the court that the defendant will be available at the next adjourned date.
When Ubani sought to move and argue his objection, the judge declined to hear him until the defendant appears before the court.
Justice Owoeye held that the court had not assumed jurisdiction over the case since the plea of the defendant had not been taken.
On his part, the prosecutor, Oyedepo described the procedure adopted by the defence as strange. He cited section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as well as several judicial authorities and also urged the court not to hear the defence.
Oyedepo said, “My lord, it is a show of shame and outright disrespect of this court, for the defendant to be absent on three different occasions in a criminal trial.”
The prosecutor informed the judge that shortly after the court rose at the last adjourned date, the defendant was seen within the court’s premises, granting media interviews. He described it as a shame and complete dishonour to the court for a defendant to exhibit such an attitude.
Oyedepo also told the court that if actually the defendant was indisposed as represented by his counsel, then it ought to be deposed by way of affidavit, to serve as proof before the court.
In the circumstance, Oyedepo asked the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the attendance of the defendant before the court, adding that same is important to protect the integrity of the court.
Ubani countered by objecting to the request for a bench warrant. He undertook to personally produce the defendant at the next adjourned date.
In a short ruling, the judge held that from his records, an earlier bench warrant issued by the court still subsists as it had not been withdrawn.
The court consequently held that the defendant is to appear in court on the next adjourned date for his arraignment.
Based on the agreement of counsel, the court adjourned the case to March 6 for arraignment of the defendant.
Kingdom Men Global Network aka KMEN has formally announced the programmes of the 13th edition of its flagship annual gathering for men, Mega Summit.
This year’s event will open on Thursday May 14 and end on Sunday May 17 with an all-men musical concert.
The 2026 edition of Mega Summit which will hold at the Presken Hotels on Alade Avenue opposite Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos has as theme: Legacy…Faith. Family. Community. And for the first time Mega Summit will host an award on the opening day in memory of foremost Nigerian diplomat and integrity personified and pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustee of KMEN, late Dr Christopher Kolade who died last year at the age of 92.
The KMEN-Christopher Kolade – Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood will be heralded by the Men in Leadership Summit (MiLEADS) with the sub-theme – Building a Culture of Leadership with Integrity. And will have as speakers Archbishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries., Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citadel Global Community Church, and renowned Pharmacist, entrepreneur and politician Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR.
Pastor Tunde Bakare
Day two will feature another special session for Men in Church Leadership (MiCLEADS) with the sub-theme: Leaving a Legacy of Faith/Discipling for the Next Generation, and will have as speakers Bishop Sunday Onadipe, Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Badagry, Apostle Eyinnaya Okwuonu, former Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter., Pastor Dominion Roberts from Liberia, and Rev Fr Matthew Ogunyase of the Catholic Mission, Lagos.
While day three will open with a Special Town Hall discussion on Family with the sub-theme – The Father’s Role in Shaping Legacy and is the only mixed gender panel for Mega Summit 2026 featuring foremost life change coach, Mrs. Yemisi Lagunju and Rev David Abraham, who is the managing director of Managing Business for Christ (MBFC).
On Saturday is a Special Town Hall on Resisting an Emerging Legacy of Addictions. This segment will feature a presentation by Dr Dokun Adedeji on the ravage of Drug Addictions, alongside Abiose Akolade Ladipo, Co-Founder of GamblePause, a Lagos-based NGO in the fight against Gambling Addictions.
Later in the afternoon on Saturday is a second Town Hall session on Business and Economy with the sub-theme: Building Sustainable/Generational Businesses, and will feature notable panelists like Rev Professor Biodun Adedipe Founder of BA and Associates, and Rev Dr Abba Peter, Managing Director of Best Practices Limited, among others.Other Town Hall segments at Mega Summit 2026 include that on Politics/Governance with the sub-theme: Swimming Against the Tide – National Transformation through Service, and another Town Hall on Media featuring Mr. Mustapha Isah Osikhekha, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Omoba Deji Irawo and others as they navigate best way to Reclaim the Narrative: Legacy in Digital Spaces.
An extra-ordinary edition, the 13th edition of Mega Summit will also have segments designed to equip leaders in men’s ministry through the instrument of KMEN’s School of Men’s Ministry/ISI Training. Each day of Mega Summit 2026 is divided into three segments – morning starting at 9 am, afternoon session and evening climaxing with an impartation service.KMEN is an uncompromisingly Bible-based, independent ministry to men. Established nearly two decades ago, the ministry’s objective is to assist men, irrespective of their church affiliations, in their Christian Walk, that they may become better sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and leaders.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 28 to hear a lawsuit asking the Nigeria Police Force to reopen the investigation into the death of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The case was filed by the Break the Silence Foundation. They are asking the court to order the police to carry out a fresh and thorough investigation into how the singer died in September 2023.
The group wants the police to question everyone who was with Mohbad during his final moments. This includes his wife, Omowumi Cynthia Aloba, his close friends, and his father, Joseph Aloba.
The foundation also raised concerns about why the singer was buried so quickly without getting permission from the police first. They want the court to make sure that anyone found responsible for his death is arrested and charged.
During the court sitting on Monday, lawyers for the group confirmed that they had successfully sent the legal papers to the police. Justice James Omotosho then agreed to hear the matter later this month.
The death of the 27-year-old musician caused a lot of pain across Nigeria, and many fans are still waiting to find out exactly what happened to him. This new court case is another step toward justice for the late star.
Nigerian skitmaker and satire content creator, Kevin Chinedu, popularly known as ‘Governor Amuneke’, has explained why he turned down an offer to serve as a youth ambassador for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a video shared on his X handle on Monday, Governor Amuneke said he was contacted for the role via social media and initially felt a deep sense of pride, describing the recognition as a major milestone in his journey.
“Reports came to me that I was going to be appointed as INEC Youth Ambassador. I have never felt as proud of myself when I got that message,” he said.
He noted that the opportunity meant even more to him because of his background and the struggles he endured before gaining visibility as a content creator.
“This is supposed to be a national honour. I do not know how to feel about it, but it brought me tears of joy when I thought about how far I have come,” he added.
Amuneke said he was informed that the role would place him alongside notable figures and involve engaging young Nigerians on civic responsibilities such as voter registration and participation in elections.
However, his excitement waned after he raised concerns about how the role might affect the nature of his content, which is largely built on political satire and criticism of governance.
“I asked a simple question. I said, ‘Am I going to still be able to criticise INEC if I’m appointed?’” he said.
According to him, the response he received indicated that while he could continue creating content and even promote civic awareness, he would not be allowed to directly criticise the electoral body.
“They told me they have seen the type of content I do. All of that can still go on. As a matter of fact, I can even preach about getting PVCs and all of that. However, I cannot criticise directly INEC,” he stated.
Amuneke explained that the restriction raised serious concerns, given that his work was rooted in holding institutions accountable and amplifying the voices of ordinary Nigerians.
“The moment I heard that, what seemed like congratulations disappeared. I wish it did not come with certain conditions to box my voice,” he said.
He stressed that accepting such a condition would contradict the core purpose of his platform, which he said is driven by real-life experiences and the struggles of citizens across Africa.
“My passion is rooted in so many things. First, tears of millions of Africans. Second, messages I get from different parts of Africa about governance. Thirdly, my background where I came from and what I have seen,” he said.
Amuneke added that the pressure to remain silent on certain issues would be worse than the challenges he currently faces as a critic.
“The pressure is worse when I am doing nothing. Those voices keep resounding, and that is what drives me,” he noted.
The comedian also used the moment to reflect on the responsibility that comes with influence, urging fellow content creators not to compromise their voices for recognition or financial gain.
“If you have a platform today and you do not compromise, always remember there are millions of people whose hope is on that voice. That voice is not just yours,” he said.
While declining the offer, he expressed appreciation to those who considered him for the role, describing it as meaningful recognition of his work.
“I want to thank the person who recommended me. I do not take these opportunities for granted. I am open to working with brands and institutions, but not under conditions that restrict my content,” he said.
The development came months after Governor Amuneke revealed that he had previously rejected financial inducements from political actors who allegedly attempted to influence his satirical content, reinforcing his stance on maintaining independence in his work
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