A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the arrest of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, former manager of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, over allegations of $345,000 fraud.

The order was issued on Thursday, January 16, 2025, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex parte motion requesting Onyedikachukwu’s arrest. Representing the EFCC, counsel Bilikisu Buhari invoked legal provisions under Section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 35–39 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to support the motion.

The EFCC disclosed that Mercy Chinwo had filed a petition accusing Onyedikachukwu of withholding royalties from her digital platforms and event earnings. The former manager allegedly diverted approximately $345,000 without informing or allocating the singer her rightful share of the funds.

The commission further stated that if Onyedikachukwu remains untraceable, they would issue a public summons to declare him wanted. The case has been adjourned to January 24, 2025, for his arraignment.

Mercy Chinwo rose to prominence after winning the Nigerian Idol music contest. She later signed with Eezee Global Records, releasing numerous successful songs and videos that amassed millions of streams and views. However, she quietly parted ways with the label in 2022 without any formal announcement, fueling speculation about a potential rift.

Nigerian singer Omawumi is marking a decade of love and companionship with her husband, Tosin Yussuf, in a heartwarming celebration.

Taking to Instagram, Omawumi shared delightful family videos alongside a heartfelt message expressing her gratitude for the journey they’ve shared. She described their relationship as remarkably smooth, filled with love and understanding, while giving herself a playful nod for being an amazing partner.

In her touching post, she prayed for continued strength in their union, blessings upon their children, and everlasting joy in their lives.

“10 years of love and friendship! Wow! Happy anniversary, my love! We did it, and we will continue to do it! I am truly grateful for you; life with you is stress-free (apart from some small sqoin here and there). You have made it so easy. Thank you for your love and understanding, and I want to thank myself, too! My prayer is that God will continue to strengthen our bond, may our children be blessed, and may we continue to smile and be joyful! I love you, my Baba K and F,” she wrote.

Fans and well-wishers have joined Omawumi in celebrating the beautiful milestone, flooding her comment section with congratulatory messages and prayers for the couple's continued happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Justice Ekerete Alan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in the same amount.

The ruling followed the singer’s not-guilty plea to a two-count charge of alleged cybercrime, with his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, moving the bail application.

Justice Alan specified that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja. The surety is required to depose to an affidavit of means, with their address verified by the court registrar. Additionally, the surety must be either a staff member of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or a federal worker, providing both their letters of appointment and latest promotion for verification by the deputy chief registrar.

The court also ordered Speed Darlington to surrender his international passport and submit two recent passport photographs along with those of the surety to the court registrar.

Pending the fulfillment of these bail conditions, Justice Alan directed that the singer remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.

The case, filed by the Inspector-General of Police for alleged cybercrime offenses, is set to continue on March 18.

Mrs. Abosede Aloba, mother of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, engaged in a heated exchange with actor Yomi Fabiyi over the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.

During a World Press Conference held on Wednesday at Radisson Blu in Ikeja, Lagos, Fabiyi demanded justice for Mohbad and alleged that the singer’s brother, Adura Aloba, had messaged him on Instagram, claiming to know the cause of his brother’s death.

Mrs. Aloba vehemently denied the claim, insisting that Adura had no knowledge of Mohbad’s death. In a heated outburst, she pointed at Fabiyi and declared, “They killed Mohbad, and you want me to lose his brother unjustly. He knows nothing about his brother’s death; do not implicate my son.”

She further expressed her grief, saying, “I am not happy that I lost Mohbad because if he were alive, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you. They took my precious gift away, and I won’t let them take Adura, too.”

Fabiyi maintained his stance, stating that his focus was on the content of the message, not necessarily who sent it, though he remained unconvinced that Adura wasn’t the sender.

The emotional clash highlights the ongoing tensions and search for answers in the wake of Mohbad’s untimely passing.