Embattled Producer Refutes Allegations By Mercy Chinwo, Denies Misappropriation Of $345,000

The founder of Eeze Conceptz Limited, Mr. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has dismissed allegations made against him by popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, labeling them as unfounded and baseless.

In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Maxwell Opara, Onyedikachukwu’s legal representative, clarified that Chinwo’s accusations, including claims of financial misappropriation, were false and had no merit.

False Allegations and Contract Disputes

Opara accused Chinwo of violating the terms of her record label and management contract with Eeze Conceptz Limited, while also presenting misleading information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Onyedikachukwu.

Contrary to claims made by the EFCC, Opara emphasized that Onyedikachukwu was never Chinwo’s manager but rather her producer. He revealed that Onyedikachukwu discovered Mercy Chinwo in 2017, nurtured her talent, and played a pivotal role in her rise to fame within the gospel music industry.

Additionally, the lawyer categorically denied allegations that Onyedikachukwu diverted $345,000 in royalties from the singer.

EFCC’s Arrest Warrant Under Scrutiny

Opara highlighted inconsistencies in the EFCC’s case against his client. He stated that:

The EFCC had wrongly presented Onyedikachukwu as Mercy Chinwo’s manager.
Allegations of fund diversion were baseless, as an audit of Onyedikachukwu’s bank accounts during his detention at the EFCC Ilorin office from April 16 to April 25, 2024, revealed no evidence of wrongdoing.

“These allegations are false and appear to be part of a coordinated smear campaign by Mercy Chinwo and the EFCC,” Opara said.

He further disclosed that a fundamental rights enforcement suit had been filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on July 17, 2024, to prevent further harassment, arrest, and detention of Onyedikachukwu.

Contractual Obligations and Legal Recourse

According to Opara, Chinwo signed a five-year contract with Eeze Conceptz Limited in 2017, which included terms on the ownership of her music catalog and revenue splits. However, Chinwo allegedly failed to honor the agreement.

In light of these developments, Onyedikachukwu has initiated legal proceedings to set aside the EFCC’s arrest warrant, expressing confidence that the courts will act justly when presented with the facts.

Public Advised to Ignore False Claims

The lawyer urged the public to disregard defamatory publications targeting Onyedikachukwu and Eeze Conceptz Limited, asserting that the accusations are part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the label’s reputation.

“These schemes are designed to malign the label and its founder, but they will be firmly challenged within the boundaries of the law,” Opara added.

Next Court Hearing Scheduled

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the matter until January 24, 2025, for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment. The arrest warrant was issued following an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC lawyer Bilikisu Buhari, citing alleged diversion of royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.