The Nigerian gospel music industry was recently rocked by a major legal development involving one of its most prominent figures behind the scenes. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, popularly known as EeZeeTee and former manager of acclaimed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, is currently standing trial for alleged involvement in a $397,106 foreign exchange fraud. The case, currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Lagos, has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved and the implications for financial regulation and transparency in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
EeZeeTee is a well-known music promoter and talent manager, best known for launching and managing the career of Mercy Chinwo, whose hit gospel songs such as "Excess Love" and "Obinasom" have touched millions. As the founder of EeZee Global Concepts, a prominent gospel music label, EeZeeTee has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s contemporary gospel music scene.
His career took a turn, however, in mid-2023 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began an investigation into foreign exchange transactions allegedly carried out without proper authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The EFCC Investigation and Initial Charges
According to the EFCC, in June 2023, EeZeeTee allegedly conducted a foreign exchange transaction worth $52,895 with one Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke without obtaining the required CBN approval. This transaction formed the basis of a broader investigation into EeZeeTee's financial activities.
The EFCC initially brought 14 counts of fraudulent conversion against EeZeeTee, but these were later amended to seven counts, including charges of foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering. The charges implicate both EeZeeTee and his company, EeZee Global Concepts Limited.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
The case, which was initially brought before Justice Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, was reassigned and is now being presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
On May 10, 2025, Justice Aneke granted EeZeeTee bail in the sum of N20 million. The bail condition includes one surety who must be a resident in Lagos and own a landed property of equal value. The court gave the defendant 72 hours to meet the bail requirements, and he was temporarily released to his counsel, Mr. Ojukwu Chikaosolu.
Detailed Breakdown of the Charges
The EFCC’s amended seven-count charge includes violations of both the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
One of the charges reads:
That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, not being an authorised buyer of foreign exchange currency appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, negotiated a foreign exchange transaction to the tune of $52,895 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, Cap F34 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 29(2) of the same Act.
Another charge highlights a money laundering offense:
That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of your company’s activities. During this period, the sum of $137,383 was paid into EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED account number 5070522520 domiciled in Zenith Bank, thereby violating Sections 6(1)(a) and 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.
In total, the EFCC alleges that EeZeeTee illegally handled foreign exchange transactions amounting to $397,106.
Plea and Court Adjournment
When the charges were read to him, EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 20, 2025, when the trial is expected to begin in earnest.
Industry and Public Reactions
The allegations have sent various reactions through the Nigerian gospel music community. Many fans and stakeholders have expressed surprise and disappointment over the situation, given EeZeeTee’s reputation and contributions to the industry.
However, others have urged caution, emphasizing that the charges remain allegations and that the court must be allowed to complete its process. Mercy Chinwo, while no longer managed by EeZeeTee, has remained silent on the matter publicly. Chioma Chukwuka and Femi Adebayo Shine Bright at AMVCA 2025; “Seven Doors” Steals the Spotlight
Regulatory and Legal Implications
This case brings to the forefront critical issues related to financial regulation in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. The charges highlight the importance of compliance with CBN regulations, especially in an era where large foreign exchange transactions are commonplace within the music and entertainment industries.
Moreover, the money laundering allegations underscore the significance of proper documentation and reporting of financial transactions under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
As the case proceeds, the outcome could have lasting implications for regulatory practices in Nigeria’s music industry. For EeZeeTee, the legal battle ahead will determine not only his personal fate but also the future of his company, EeZee Global Concepts Limited.
For now, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court in Lagos as the trial resumes on June 20, 2025. The entertainment industry and regulatory agencies alike will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what it portends for the broader financial governance of artistic enterprises in Nigeria.
By Primelineinfo
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