EFCC Arraigns Mercy Chinwo’s Former Manager Over Alleged $397,106 Money Laundering
Gospel Music Executive Faces Charges in Lagos Court
Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, popularly known as Eezee Tee in gospel music circles, was arraigned on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 brought charges against the former manager of award-winning gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited.
Seven-Count Charge for Illegal Forex Transactions
The EFCC refiled an amended seven-count charge against the defendants, with alleged financial infractions totaling $397,106. The case was transferred from Justice Owoeye to Justice Aneke for continuation.
One charge alleges that ThankGod and his company illegally negotiated a foreign exchange transaction equivalent to $52,895 without proper authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Another count accuses them of failing to report financial activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, involving $137,383 deposited into their Zenith Bank account.
Court Proceedings and Bail Application
ThankGod pleaded not guilty to all charges. EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Buhari-Bala requested the defendant be remanded, citing his alleged evasion of service and failure to honor commission invitations.
Defense counsel Chikaozolu Ojukwu, SAN, applied for bail on lenient terms. Justice Aneke deferred the bail ruling to May 9, 2025, but granted temporary release to the defense lawyer’s custody.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes in the entertainment industry.
Full credit to the original publisher: Information Nigeria