Mercy Chinwo cries over $345,000 fund diversion by manager, Eezee Concept…here’s what to know
Photo Credit: Facebook
Popular Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, known for her hit songs like Excess Love and Chinedum, has initiated legal proceedings against her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the CEO of Eezee Conceptz, in court over alleged $345,000 financial misconduct.
Recall that last year, Mercy Chinwo released a video subtly addressing the issue of music managers exploiting artists under them during one of her ministrations. hinting at betrayal and financial impropriety. In the video, she appeared sombre as she subtly expressed her disappointment over being taken advantage of by someone she trusted.
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While she didn’t name names at the time, it didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots and link the issue to her former manager, Eezee Conceptz. This said video is on the Facebook page of Divine Mandate TV.
The allegations against Eezee Conceptz
PUNCH reports that Chinwo alleged that Onyedikachukwu has been collecting royalties from her digital platforms and events without her consent.
She also claimed that Eezee Conceptz, who was responsible for managing her bookings and handling payments from digital streaming platforms, failed to remit her rightful earnings. Instead, he allegedly syphoned the money, leaving her in the dark.
Feeling betrayed, Chinwo decided to take legal action, filing a formal petition with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
She claimed that these funds, totalling around $345,000, were diverted from her digital platforms.
In response to her petition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into the allegations. Despite multiple attempts, the EFCC was unable to apprehend Onyedikachukwu, leading them to seek a court-issued warrant for his arrest.
On January 17, 2025, Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the EFCC’s request and issued a warrant for Eezee Conceptz’s arrest. The court has now scheduled his arraignment for January 24, 2025. The court also stated that if Onyedikachukwu Ezekiel fails to appear before the court on the stated date, he would be declared wanted.
The EFCC has assured that it will continue its investigations to ensure that all funds are accounted for and justice is served.
This scandal has raised a lot of reactions on social media; while some netizens have rallied behind Mercy Chinwo over the betrayal by her former manager, others have questioned whether she didn’t read her contract agreement before she signed with the manager.
Furthermore, this issue has raised broader questions about accountability and transparency in the Nigerian gospel music industry. Many artists often entrust their careers and finances to managers without adequate checks and balances, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Chinwo’s decision to speak out and take legal action could serve as a turning point, encouraging other artists to take greater control of their financial affairs.
Will Eezee Conceptz be held accountable for the alleged diversion of funds? Will Mercy Chinwo recover her lost earnings? These are the questions everyone is eager to see answered.
