In a turn of events, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, witnessed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officially withdraw its arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, on Friday, January 24, 2025. EeZee Tee, the owner of EeZee Conceptz, had been embroiled in a legal tussle with renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo over financial disputes linked to their 50/50 gross revenue-sharing agreement.
The conflict arose after EeZee Conceptz claimed it had disbursed $625,000 to Chinwo under their agreement. However, tensions escalated when the EFCC became involved, initially pursuing criminal charges against EeZee Tee based on allegations he evaded service and arrest. This led to the controversial issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
During the court proceedings, Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over the case, refrained from making any direct rulings on the financial dispute. Instead, the EFCC, represented by its lead counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, officially requested the withdrawal of the arrest warrant after what appeared to be a reassessment of the case’s facts.
EeZee Tee’s counsel, Onyekachi Ubani (SAN), criticized the EFCC’s initial actions, arguing that the commission had overstepped its legal boundaries by treating a contractual dispute as a criminal matter. “This issue is purely civil in nature, governed by a contract between the parties, and should not involve criminal enforcement,” Ubani asserted.
Another member of EeZee Tee’s legal team, Maxwell Opara, further elaborated on the situation while addressing reporters outside the court. “EFCC approached the court stating that our client evaded service and ran away from arrest. Based on that, the court granted an order for his arrest. However, we filed all necessary legal documents, challenging this move. It’s crucial to note that the contract at the center of this issue has not been invalidated or declared fraudulent,” Opara said.
Opara also revealed that the EFCC had requested time to respond to the legal motions filed by EeZee Tee’s team. “In the interest of justice, the court granted their application, and we raised no objections. The court also issued a consequential order restraining further pursuit of our client while the matter is pending,” he added.
The withdrawal of the arrest warrant marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute, with the case now set to continue on February 14, 2025. Meanwhile, both parties remain at odds over the financial obligations and responsibilities outlined in their contract.
