News
EFCC drops Mercy Chinwo’s name from amended charges against EeZeeTee
The EFCC has removed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s name from its amended charges against gospel music executive EeZeeTee, now focusing on alleged financial regulatory breaches.
The EFCC has removed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s name from its amended charges against gospel music executive EeZeeTee, now focusing on alleged financial regulatory breaches
In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s name from its amended charges against gospel music executive Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee.
Also read: BREAKING: Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, sentenced to death by hanging
The EFCC had initially accused EeZeeTee, the CEO of EeZee Global Concept Ltd, of fraudulently converting earnings belonging to Mercy Chinwo.
However, during court proceedings on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the commission presented a new eight-count charge that centers on alleged breaches of financial regulations by EeZeeTee and his company.
The amended charges now accuse EeZeeTee of failing to properly disclose the company’s financial transactions and engaging in unauthorised foreign exchange dealings between 2022 and 2023.
According to the EFCC, EeZee Global Concept Ltd allegedly received $255,436 during this period without making the required disclosures to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
Furthermore, the commission alleges that in June 2023, EeZeeTee and his company, without being authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, engaged in a foreign exchange transaction equivalent to $52,895 with Mr. Oladotun Mureke.
They are also accused of another unauthorised foreign exchange transaction worth $18,775 with one Gift Ugochi Christopher, bypassing the official foreign exchange market.
The amended charges accuse EeZeeTee of failing to disclose the company’s financial transactions and engaging in unauthorised foreign exchange deals between 2022 and 2023.
EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all eight counts. His counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court of a previously filed bail application, while also indicating that both parties were exploring an out-of-court settlement. However, the EFCC’s counsel opposed the bail request.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke adjourned the ruling on the bail application to May 9, 2025, and ordered EeZeeTee’s temporary release to his counsel.
A brief drama unfolded outside the courtroom when EFCC operatives attempted a re-arrest, but the situation was resolved by a senior EFCC official.
This amendment of charges marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings, removing Mercy Chinwo from the allegations and focusing solely on the alleged financial regulatory breaches by EeZeeTee and his company.
News
Panic-stricken Enugu APC begins flag-off of already flagged of roads in Nsukka after PDP’s Chijioke Ugwu’s homecoming
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)