Alleged $340,000 Fraud: Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager Ordered to Appear in Court
The legal drama surrounding Ezekiel Thankgod, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, took another twist on Monday, February 17, 2025, as Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, insisted that he must appear in court to take his plea.
The judge adjourned the case to March 6, 2025, for his arraignment.
A Warrant, A No-Show, and an Excuse
Ezekiel Thankgod, who is facing a three-count charge of money laundering and dishonest conversion totaling $340,000, has reportedly dodged multiple court appearances, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025.
During Monday’s proceedings, the defense counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, attempted to justify his client’s absence, claiming that Thankgod had been involved in a “terrible accident” earlier in the morning. However, he assured the court that his client would be present at the next hearing.
This excuse did not sit well with the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who described the situation as a “show of shame” and accused the defense of deliberately delaying the trial. He further argued that if the defendant was truly indisposed, he should have provided an affidavit as proof.
A Mysterious Disappearance and Media Stunt?
Oyedepo did not stop there. He revealed a shocking detail—after the last adjourned date, Thankgod was seen within the court premises, granting media interviews, despite his legal team’s claims that he was unreachable.
“It is outright disrespect for this court that the defendant has failed to appear on three different occasions in a criminal trial,” Oyedepo stated.
The Charges Against Ezekiel Thankgod
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thankgod and his company, EEZEE Global Concepts Limited, allegedly retained a sum of $260,494 in a Zenith Bank account belonging to EEZEE Global Ministry—a sum that he “reasonably ought to have known” was part of an unlawful activity involving Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.
The alleged offenses violate Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
Judge Stands Firm: No Plea, No Trial
Justice Owoeye was firm in his ruling, stating that the court had not assumed jurisdiction over the case since the defendant had yet to take his plea. He emphasized that the bench warrant issued for Thankgod’s arrest remains in force and that he must be present in court on March 6, 2025, either by his counsel’s production or enforcement of the warrant.
With the next adjourned date fast approaching, the big question remains: Will Ezekiel Thankgod finally face the court, or will this game of hide-and-seek continue?
Stay tuned for updates.
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