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 Nigerian Army has arrested two serving soldiers over their alleged involvement in an unauthorised deployment during the glamorous wedding ceremony of Nigerian content creator Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, and fellow TikTok personality Jarvis.
According to report, the arrests were made on Tuesday evening following intelligence which indicated that the soldiers participated in an illegal deployment at the celebrity wedding held in Lekki, Lagos State, over the weekend.
The soldiers were apprehended on Tuesday morning as investigations into the incident commenced.
The arrested personnel were identified as 23NA/85/10007 Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa of the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 Private Ukpai Onyinyechi, also attached to the 81DMSH in Obalende, Lagos.
”Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in illegal deployment during a popular social influencer’s wedding known as Peller at Lekki, Lagos, the Group arrested 23NA/85/10007 PTE Onasanya Ifeoluwa of 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 PTE Ukpai Onyinyechi of 81DMSH at Obalende this morning.
”Preliminary investigation is ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other personnel connected with the incident. Further details will be forwarded as the investigation unfolds,” the report said.
The arrests come after videos from the high-profile wedding circulated widely on social media, showing uniformed military personnel providing security around some of the celebrity guests.
One of the videos, which drew significant public attention, allegedly showed a Nigerian soldier acting as a bouncer for TikTok personality Ivanna while escorting her through the crowded venue.
The footage triggered widespread criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why military personnel were allegedly deployed to a private social event involving influencers and celebrities.
Peller and Jarvis’ wedding, held in Lekki over the weekend, attracted several prominent entertainers, social media influencers and content creators. Videos from the ceremony dominated social media platforms, with large crowds of fans and guests in attendance.
The event became one of the most talked-about celebrity occasions of the weekend, but controversy soon followed after clips surfaced showing men in military uniforms managing access to parts of the venue and escorting some attendees.
The Nigerian Army has repeatedly maintained that serving personnel are prohibited from undertaking unauthorised private security duties or participating in illegal deployments without official approval.
American media mogul Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa will close in 2027, marking 20 years since its founding.
The tuition-free boarding school, which opened in January 2007 following a pledge made to former South African President Nelson Mandela, was established to support academically talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under the original partnership agreement, the school campus will be returned to South Africa’s Gauteng Department of Education after the 2027 academic year, while current students will receive full funding to complete their education.
Winfrey plans to transition her support into a new scholarship program designed to expand educational access for more young women across South Africa.
Reflecting on the milestone, the 72-year-old philanthropist praised the achievements of over 1,000 graduates and reaffirmed her commitment to empowering young women through education.
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*
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