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.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
American rapper, Nicki Minaj has called on more celebrities and influencers to speak out over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj made the call while speaking at the X Takeover event held at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas.
The rapper said her personal connection to Nigeria, through her pastor and Nigerian fans known as Barbs, had drawn her attention to reports of violence against Christians in the country.
She said, “For Nigeria personally, my pastor is from Nigeria, so I have a link to Nigeria because of him and of course, I have a lot of Nigerian barbs but what I started seeing was the brutality in which Christians are being treated there just for being Christians and I thought why isn’t anyone making a big deal out of this?
“You know and sometimes when things aren’t cool like to talk about, people don’t just talk about it so right now.
“Actually I’m hoping that more celebrities or people, influencers, I’m hoping that they come onboards the train to start speaking out about what’s happening to Christians in Nigeria and I look forward to doing more to help in that way in that cause.”
Entertainment
Hulk Hogan’s Daughter Reveals Their Relationship Broke Down After Father Slept With Her Friend
Brooke Hogan has opened up about the painful breakdown of her relationship with her late father, Hulk Hogan, revealing that his affair with her best friend became a major turning point between them.
The former singer said she forgave the wrestling icon after he admitted to the affair, but their relationship never returned to what it had been before.
Speaking in an interview, Brooke explained how Hulk’s affair with her friend Christiane Plante affected their relationship after the wrestler publicly admitted what had happened in 2008.
The affair took place while Hulk’s 26-year marriage to Linda Hogan was already deteriorating. The couple divorced in 2009 after having two children, Brooke and Nick.
“A major turning point came after he slept with my friend Christiane [Plante],” Brooke said. “I forgive people very easily — sometimes probably too easily — and I forgave him, but something between us changed afterward. I don’t think he ever related to me in quite the same way again.”
Brooke also recalled how her parents’ divorce fundamentally altered the family dynamic, saying the “entire family structure changed” afterwards.
She said the situation became increasingly complicated over the years until the relationship she once believed could withstand anything eventually could not survive the circumstances surrounding the family.
Brooke and Hulk remained estranged before his death
Brooke and Hulk remained estranged for years before the wrestling legend died from a heart attack at 71.
After his death, Brooke raised concerns about his medical treatment and said she had heard claims about a “botched” surgery two months before his passing. She announced in June that she wanted a private examination into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Family tensions also resurfaced publicly this month when Brooke and Linda became embroiled in a social media dispute, with Brooke threatening to release “receipts” about the breakdown of their relationship.
Hulk married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 before their divorce in 2021, then married Sky Daily in 2023.
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