Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager, Eezee Tee, Arraigned by EFCC over $397,106 Forex Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned music promoter Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, also known as Eezee Tee, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Eezee Tee, who is the former manager of gospel artiste Mercy Chinwo, is facing trial alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on an amended seven-count charge involving alleged foreign exchange violations and money laundering totaling $397,106.
According to the EFCC, Eezee Tee and his company engaged in foreign exchange transactions worth $141,670 with various individuals without being authorized by the Central Bank of Nigeria to deal in forex. The charges brought against him are in violation of Sections 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, Cap F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and are punishable under Section 29(2) of the same legislation.
Eezee Tee pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. The prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, prayed for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional center.
However, the defense counsel, Chikaozolu Ojukwu SAN, asked that his client be granted bail “in the most liberal terms” and be released to him if granted bail.
The prosecution opposed the release of the defendant, citing that he had refused to accept service on several occasions and had not honored further invitations from the EFCC. Justice Aneke adjourned the ruling on the bail application until May 9, 2025, and released the defendant to his counsel.
The EFCC’s action is part of its efforts to crack down on foreign exchange malpractices and money laundering in Nigeria. The commission has been working to prevent the abuse of the country’s foreign exchange regulations and to bring perpetrators to justice.
Eezee Tee’s arraignment is a significant development in the case, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched.
The music promoter’s association with Mercy Chinwo, a popular gospel artiste, has also brought attention to the case. The EFCC’s efforts to combat financial crimes and protect the country’s economy will continue to be a major focus of the commission’s work.
