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.
The ancient town of Ilesa came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged on the Ijesa Sports Club premises to witness the historic investiture of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins as the 18th President of the Ijesa Sports Club for the 2026–2028 tenure.
The colourful ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political office holders, business leaders, professionals, club members, friends, and well-wishers, all of whom turned out in large numbers to celebrate the new president and usher in a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.
The event, which formed part of the club’s annual investiture ceremony, also featured the induction of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, as the Grand Patron of the club.
New patrons and members were equally invested, while deserving individuals received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society. A fundraising session was also held to support the club’s developmental projects.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of the 2026 Investiture Planning Committee, Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, described the occasion as a historic and epoch making event in the annals of the Ijesa Sports Club, established in 1977.
He warmly welcomed the royal father, distinguished guests, patrons, trustees, award recipients, community leaders, and members, expressing appreciation for their overwhelming support and presence, which added prestige and grandeur to the ceremony.
Hon. Opebiyi noted that beyond the investiture of a new president, the event celebrated excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service, and commitment to community development.
He urged guests and stakeholders to support the transformation agenda of the new administration under the leadership of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins.
According to him, the administration has outlined ambitious plans, including the construction of a standard lawn tennis court and the upgrading of existing sporting and recreational facilities to modern standards, calling on members and philanthropists to partner with the club in achieving these developmental goals.
He also commended members of the Investiture Planning Committee, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Patrons, and the entire membership of the club for their dedication and teamwork, which ensured the successful organisation of the event.
The investiture ceremony concluded on a high note with goodwill messages, networking, entertainment, and renewed optimism that the administration of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins will strengthen the legacy of the Ijesa Sports Club and further promote unity, sports development, and community advancement across Ijesaland.
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
Renowned Juju music virtuoso and master guitarist, Ambassador Seun Marcus, popularly known as The Guitar Craftsman, has continued to reinforce his place as one of the leading ambassadors of contemporary Juju music following his recent visit to Nigeria, where he embarked on an extensive media tour and delivered memorable live performances.
The Edo State-born musician, who is based in Maryland, United States, made notable appearances on veteran broadcast journalist Sean Polotee’s award-winning radio programmes, Deflower Your Mind and Máágbọ̀n on Miliki FM.
During the engaging sessions, Ambassador Seun Marcus took listeners through his inspiring musical journey, highlighting decades of dedication to the Juju music genre and his commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
One of the major highlights of his Nigerian visit was his electrifying performance at Ileya Fiesta, a music and cultural event packaged by Surrealistic Media Group.
The event saw him thrill fans and music lovers alongside celebrated Juju maestros Aṣíwájú Dele Taiwo and Champion Kunle Opio, with the trio amongst others delivering captivating performances that left the audience yearning for more.
Speaking during his radio interviews, Ambassador Seun Marcus reflected on his longstanding relationship and memorable experiences with legendary music icons, including Rare Admiral Dele Abiodun (Adawa Super), King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Olaiya, Segun Adewale,
I.K. Dairo,
Folly Peperempe and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, among other distinguished figures whose influence has shaped his remarkable career.
Widely regarded as a music encyclopedia and passionate custodian of authentic African sounds, the ace guitarist disclosed that he is currently working on a fresh collection of songs carefully crafted to blend the timeless appeal of Juju music with today’s evolving musical trends.
According to him, the forthcoming releases are expected to resonate with both longtime lovers of Juju music and a new generation of listeners across the globe.
As the leader of The Peak Stars International, Ambassador Seun Marcus has distinguished himself through a unique musical style that fuses traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz, blues and rock, creating an exciting and refreshing Juju sound that continues to earn admiration both at home and abroad.
Among his notable singles are “Kama Seru Ẹgbẹ́,” “Odale Sha Láiyé,” and “Oromi Tí Dayo,” all of which are currently available for streaming and download across major digital and social media platforms.
Music enthusiasts can also enjoy some of his performances via
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MAEq-I8ad8Q?si=mQBfNX1R21aMsG5c
https://youtu.be/tv1SawE2pRA?si=cyKyphppwArAefOh
For bookings, concerts, festivals, private events and other performance engagements, contact:
Ambassador Seun Marcus (The Guitar Craftsman)
7016 Palamar Turn, Lanham, MD 20706, USA
Phone: +1 240 291 3044
Email:
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
One of Nollywood’s finest, Halima Abubakar has announced her conversion from Islam to Christianity, dedicating her life to serve Jesus Christ after she was divinely healed from a mysterious ailment that held her down for nine years.
She is set to give an open testimony of her miraculous healing, the untold story behind her ailment, and how God intervened, using the Queen Belemzy Ministries (School of Power) to bring her back on her feet.
Abubakar’s official testimony was part of the activities lined up for the Queen Belemzy Ministries programme tagged Holy Ghost Revival, at Merit House, Maitama Abuja last Saturday 4 July 2026.
The multiple award-winning actress stated: “I’m a brand new person now. I have given my life to Christ. I want to serve God because He has helped me. I almost died. They almost killed me. This is not about movies; this is about restoration and testimony. Halima Abubakar is back, big and better.”
Abubakar reminisced that the first time Apostle Queen Belemzy called her on the phone, “I was somehow rude to her because of my mood then, but she still went ahead to pray with me over the phone. I later felt the impact of her prayers regarding my health, so I started searching for her number via my Whatsapp calls. I eventually got in touch with her, she continued to pray with me and God took control of everything through her.
”Right now, I’m ready to serve God because He wants me to serve Him. He has delivered me, so I need to serve Him and preach His gospel to the people,” Abubakar concluded.
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