In a startling legal twist, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn its earlier allegations of financial misappropriation against renowned gospel music executive, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as "EeZeeTee", and has instead filed new charges centered on financial disclosure violations and unauthorized foreign exchange dealings.
EeZeeTee, the founder and CEO of "EeZee Global Concept Ltd", a powerhouse in the Nigerian gospel music scene and home to celebrated singer Mercy Chinwo, was initially accused of fraudulently diverting the singer’s earnings. However, at a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, the EFCC submitted an amended eight-count charge that marked a sharp pivot in the case’s direction.
Rather than pursuing the headline-grabbing claims of embezzlement, the EFCC now alleges that EeZeeTee violated regulatory protocols, including failing to disclose financial transactions and conducting unauthorized foreign exchange operations between 2022 and 2023.
According to the revised charge sheet, EeZee Global Concept Ltd received a total of $255,436 in its corporate account during the period under scrutiny. The EFCC claims the company failed to report these transactions to the "Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML)", as mandated by Nigerian financial regulations.
One of the specific charges reads:
“That you, Ezekiel Onyedikachi and EeZee Global Concept Ltd, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, not being an authorized buyer of foreign currency appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria under Section 5(1) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, CAP F34 LFN 2004, negotiated a foreign exchange transaction to wit: the naira equivalent of the sum of $52,895 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke.”
Another count accuses the music executive of unlawfully negotiating a separate transaction worth $18,775 with a third party identified as "Gift Ugochi Christopher", without going through the official foreign exchange market.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lead counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), confirmed that a bail application had already been filed and duly served on the EFCC. He appealed to the court to consider bail under liberal terms, adding that both parties are actively exploring an out-of-court settlement.
The case has sent ripples through the gospel music community, given EeZeeTee’s significant influence in shaping the careers of some of Nigeria’s most beloved gospel stars. Many industry observers are now watching closely, as the focus shifts from personal misconduct allegations to corporate compliance and financial transparency.
As the legal drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how this high-profile case will impact not just EeZeeTee’s reputation, but also broader conversations around financial governance in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
