Connect with us

News

JUST IN: EFCC Halts Mercy Chinwo’s Manager’s Arrest

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday formally served the alleged $345,000 fraud allegation charge against Ezekiel Onyedikachi, manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, on his lawyer Monday Ubani (SAN).

The commission, unable to arrest Ezekiel over the allegation, approached the Federal High Court in Lagos last week and obtained an arrest warrant against him.

Advertisement

EFCC lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari, told Justice Alexander Owoeye that Ezekiel was accused of criminal activities related to financial mismanagement, including diverting royalties from Chinwo’s digital platforms and events.

She claimed that the gospel music producer and manager misappropriated approximately $345,000 and failed to remit Chinwo’s share.

READ ALSO: Mercy Chinwo Drags Ex-manager To Court For Diverting $345K Music Royalties

Advertisement

During Friday’s proceedings, Ezekiel’s lawyer, Ubani, told the court that the EFCC misled the court in granting the order for the arrest of his client as the subject matter was purely a contractual dispute.

Ubani told the court that his client filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the EFCC before another court seeking to stop his arrest.

Ubani also told the court that his client filed a preliminary objection to the charge against him and urged the court to vacate the earlier arrest warrant issued against him.

Advertisement

He also told the court that his client had not been served with any charge by the EFCC.

Responding, EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari told the court that the commission has been unable to arrest the defendant since the court ordered his arrest.

READ ALSO: Trump Calls Bishop ‘Nasty’ Over Mercy For Migrants, LGBTQ Comment

Advertisement

She requested the court’s permission to serve the charge on Ezekiel’s lawyer in the open court and further noted that there might be no need for the arrest warrant since Ubani has accepted the charge on behalf of his client.

Ubani, who received the charges on behalf of his client, however prayed the court for a date for the court to hear the preliminary objection against the fraud allegation charge.

Justice Owoeye thereafter fixed February 14 for possible arraignment and hearing of pending applications before the court.

Advertisement

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

on

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

Advertisement

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

READ ALSO:

Advertisement

Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”

The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

on

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

on

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

Advertisement

Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash

Advertisement

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

Advertisement

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

Advertisement

I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending