EFCC vs. Mercy Chinwo's Ex-Manager: Court Postpones $340,000 Fraud Trial to May

The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the fraud case involving Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, former manager of renowned gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo, until May 14, 2025. The adjournment follows legal technicalities that stalled the proceedings.

ThankGod is facing a three-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering and dishonest conversion of $340,000. He was expected to be arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, but legal procedures prevented the trial from proceeding.

According to the EFCC's Lagos Zonal Directorate, ThankGod allegedly retained $260,494 in the Zenith Bank account of Eezee Global Ministry, which he "reasonably ought to have knownÔÇØ was proceeds of unlawful activity. The money, reportedly belonging to Mercy Chinwo and another individual, Judith Kanayo, was allegedly dishonestly converted.

The EFCC asserts that his actions contravene Section 18(2)(d) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

ThankGod was initially slated for arraignment on February 17, 2025. However, his absence led the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest, ordering that he be produced by today, March 6, 2025, either through the warrant or via his counsel.

At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, stated that the EFCC was ready for trial, noting, "The matter is for arraignment and subject to the court's overriding convenience, we are ready to commence.ÔÇØ

However, Justice A.O. Owoeye ruled that an administrative procedure related to the case must be resolved before further action can be taken, leading to the adjournment.

With the next hearing set for May 14, all eyes will be on the court's decision regarding the case. The EFCC remains committed to prosecuting the matter, while the defense, led by Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, has assured the court of ThankGod's readiness to appear for the next proceeding.

[caption id="attachment_186637" align="alignnone" width="1024"] EFCC vs. Mercy Chinwo's Ex-Manager: Court Postpones $340,000 Fraud Trial to May[/caption]