Tag: MERCY CHINWO

  • Mercy Chinwo welcomes second child with husband, Pastor Uzochikwa

    Mercy Chinwo welcomes second child with husband, Pastor Uzochikwa

    Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, have announced the arrival of their second child.

    The singer via her Instagram on Friday, August 15th expressed her gratitude to God for blessing their family with another precious gift.

    “Generations from us will walk in His light. Through us, many will be blessed, and the nations will call us blessed. To the glory of God… Welcome, our precious gift,” Mercy captioned the post, celebrating the new addition to their family.

    The singer also praised her husband, calling him “an amazing father of two” and thanking God for His goodness in their family. This joyous occasion marks another milestone in the couple’s journey together, having celebrated their third wedding anniversary recently.

  • Coach Nancy retracts defamation claims against Mercy Chinwo, confirms reconciliation efforts

    Coach Nancy retracts defamation claims against Mercy Chinwo, confirms reconciliation efforts

    Nancy Nnadi, the Managing Director of EeZee Conceptz Limited and widely known as Coach Nancy, has announced that efforts are being made to resolve the ongoing royalty dispute with gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

    Nnadi made this statement while officially retracting her previous allegation against Chinwo, in which she accused the singer of financial misconduct amid a legal conflict between the artist and the record label.

    It will be recalled that in January 2025, Mercy Chinwo took legal action against her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EeZee Tee, accusing him of diverting $345,000 in music royalties. The lawsuit came nearly two years after she parted ways with EeZee Conceptz over unresolved financial disagreements.

    Nnadi, in the wake of the fallout, took to social media to accuse Chinwo of financial impropriety—a claim that prompted the singer to file a defamation suit. Chinwo demanded a public apology and the removal of all defamatory posts from Nnadi’s social media platforms.

    In a recent Instagram post over the weekend, Nnadi retracted her allegations and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the matter. She revealed that settlement talks are currently ongoing, with respected religious leaders mediating between both parties.

    “On the advice of my lawyer, and for the sake of peace and the love of God, I retract my earlier post about Minister Mercy Chinwo,” Nnadi wrote. “We also pray that Almighty God perfects the ongoing settlement process being facilitated by the Fathers of Faith between her and EeZee Conceptz.”

     

     

  • PFN reacts to VeryDarkMan’s statement on Mercy Chinwo

    PFN reacts to VeryDarkMan’s statement on Mercy Chinwo

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has indicted controversial social media critic, Martins Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan (VDM), of creating and disseminating a fraudulent press release purportedly on behalf of the organization regarding the dispute between him and gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.

    The religious organization in a statement on Tuesday alleged that the press release mislead the public, as it misrepresented the organization’s position on this delicate matter.

    Denonucing the action, PFN highlighted the risks associated with misinformation and its capacity to undermine public trust.

    PFN further urged authorities to investigate the situation and take appropriate legal measures to curb the dissemination of false information. As of now, VeryDarkMan has not publicly responded to the accusations.

    “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) hereby issues a formal disclaimer regarding this recent press release that has been circulated on social media.

    “This press release allegedly addressed the controversy surrounding Mercy Chinwo and one VDM, but it was not issued by PFN and should be disregarded.

    “We understand that such misinformation can be damaging, and we take this opportunity to remind our members and the public to always verify the authenticity of news and information before sharing it. PFN takes no responsibility for this fake press release, and we caution against its further dissemination,” the statement signed by the National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, stated.

  • VeryDarkMan releases diss track on Mercy Chinwo amidst lawsuit

    VeryDarkMan releases diss track on Mercy Chinwo amidst lawsuit

    Controversial Nigerian activist and social critic, VeryDarkMan, has sparked outrage with the announcement of a diss track aimed at gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The provocative move comes shortly after Mercy Chinwo filed a lawsuit against VeryDarkMan.

    In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), VeryDarkMan teased the unreleased song, titled “Body of Christ”, which appears to mock Mercy Chinwo. He shared a video of himself dancing to the track, asking his followers for suggestions on which artist to feature.

    VeryDarkMan revealed that he wants to collaborate with controversial singer Portable, citing his “deep spiritual depth” as the reason. The unexpected choice has raised eyebrows, given Portable’s reputation for provocative content.

    His words in the viral video:

    My single is out — *Body of Christ*. I’m thinking of featuring someone holier. In my opinion, this person is even holier than Mercy Chinwo.”

    I believe this person has the spirit of Christ in him. I want someone way better than her — someone with real spiritual depth.”

    “Portable, I’ll be in your DM. I want you on this song because you’re spiritually inclined. Forget our differences — I believe you have more spirituality in Christ than Mercy Chinwo.”

    The diss track is expected to drop soon, amidst the ongoing lawsuit between VeryDarkMan and Mercy Chinwo.

  • Mercy Chinwo drags VeryDarkMan to court, demands N1.1 billion for defamation

    Mercy Chinwo drags VeryDarkMan to court, demands N1.1 billion for defamation

    Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has taken legal action against blogger Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamatory statements made on social media.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Chinwo’s lawsuit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeks N1.1 billion in damages from VDM.

    The lawsuit stems from VDM’s accusations that Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute and diverted $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). Chinwo’s legal representative, Pelumi Olajengbesi, argues that VDM’s posts were made without provocation and intended to damage Chinwo’s reputation.

    Chinwo has provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove that VDM’s allegations are false. The lawsuit demands that VDM delete, retract, and issue a public apology for the allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.

    This development comes after a Federal High Court in Lagos upheld an arrest warrant against Eezee Tee over alleged fraudulent conversion, with his arraignment scheduled for March 6, 2025.

    A statement in the lawsuit filed says:

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to cause a retraction of the said defamatory statement in favour of the Claimant on all his social media platforms and to publish an unreserved apology to the Claimant in two widely circulated national dailies and all his social media platforms.”

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendants to write an unreserved apology to the Claimant and publish same in four national dailies, causing same to run for at least 14 consecutive days.”

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the Sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) only as General Damages for defamation.”

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant, the Sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) only as Punitive and Aggravated Damages for the grossly defamatory statement.”

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to pay the sum of N25,000,000.00 (Twenty-Five Million Naira) as the cost of this suit.”

    “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to pay 10% (Ten percent) on the judgment sum per annum until final liquidation of the judgment sum by the Defendants.”

  • Mercy Chinwo, Rema shine at 2025 Trace Awards

    Mercy Chinwo, Rema shine at 2025 Trace Awards

    The prestigious TRACE Awards 2025 took place on February 26 at the breathtaking Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

    The event showcased the incredible richness and diversity of Afro music, featuring an array of genres including Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afropop.

    Artists from over 30 countries competed in 24 categories, demonstrating exceptional talent and creativity that continues to shape the global music landscape. Nigeria’s music industry was well-represented, with several artists taking home top honors.

    Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, sweeping three categories: Album of the Year, Best Music Video, and Best Male Artist.

    Legendary musician Dbanj, whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring impact on the music industry.

    Gospel music sensation Mercy Chinwo also took home a coveted award for Best Gospel Music, solidifying her position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s gospel music scene. Other Nigerian artists, including Ayra Starr, also won awards in various categories.

  • Arrest warrant against Mercy Chinwo’s manager still in effect

    Arrest warrant against Mercy Chinwo’s manager still in effect

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday held that its arrest warrant against singer Mercy Chinwo’s former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, remained in effect.

    Justice Alexander Owoeye said this while adjourning Onyedikachi’s trial for alleged fraudulent conversion of money.

    Recall that  Owoeye had on Jan. 16, issued an arrest warrant against  Onyedikachi following an exparte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Chinwo had alleged that the defendant diverted about 345,000 dollars representing royalty due to her.

    EFCC counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, had told the court that prosecution was unable to effect service of the charge on the defendant who, she said, had been unreachable.

    The court consequently granted the application for arrest warrant against Onyedikachi.

    At the last adjourned date, Jan. 24, defence counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, undertook to accept service of the charge on behalf of the defendant.

    Ubani, however, informed the court of a preliminary objection to the charge filed by him.

    The court  adjourned the case for arraignment of Onyedikachi.

    At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, Ubani announced appearance for the defendant, while Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) appeared for EFCC.

    Ubani then informed the court that although the case was slated for arraignment of the former manager,  he had a preliminary objection before the court.

    No sooner had Ubani said this than the judge asked, “Where is the defendant?”

    In response, Ubani told the court that his client had called to say that he was involved in an accident on Monday morning.

    Ubani said that his client would be available on the next adjourned date.

    He prayed the court to allow him to move the preliminary objection but the judge declined.

    Owoeye held that the court had yet to assume jurisdiction over the case since the plea of the defendant had not been taken.

    Reacting, EFCC counsel described the defence counsel’s prayer as strange and improper.

    Oyedepo cited Sections 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as well as judicial authorities of State versus Achara and Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Yahaya Bello to support his submission.

    He urged the court not to grant the prayer.

    “My lord, it is a show of shame and outright disrespect for this court for the defendant to be absent on three different occasions in a criminal trial,” he said.

    He told the court that the defendant was seen within the court’s premises granting media interviews shortly after the court rose at the last adjourned date.

    Oyedepo prayed the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant to appear before the court to protect the integrity of the court.

    However, Ubani objected to the prayer, saying that  he undertook to personally produce the defendant in court on the next adjourned date based on his reputation and intergrity as a senior lawyer.

    In a ruling, the judge held that the bench warrant earlier issued by the court had neither been vacated nor withdrawn.

    He held that the defendant should appear in court on the next adjourned date for arraignment either by the subsisting bench warrant or by production by his counsel.

    The judge adjourned the case until March 6 for arraignment of the defendant.

    NAN

  • EeZeeTee vs Mercy Chinwo:  I can’t bully a bully – Former producer responds to gospel singer’s hefty allegations

    EeZeeTee vs Mercy Chinwo:  I can’t bully a bully – Former producer responds to gospel singer’s hefty allegations

    The Founder, Eeze Conceptz Limited, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has claimed that the allegations by popular gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, were a deliberate attempt to destroy his record label.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the ‘Excess love’ singer in a video shared across social media on Tuesday, accused her former producer of sponsoring false news about her son’s paternity and threatening to destroy her career.

    Reacting to the allegations made by Chinwo, EeZeeTee stated that the gospel singer was using lies and emotional blackmail to destroy what he spent his life building, adding that  o real child of God destroys another with lies.

    He noted that it was sad that the singer despite claiming to be a child of God and also a gospel artist would descend so low as to want to destroy another person with lies.

    He said: “It’s heartbreaking that you can go to this extent to tarnish the credibility or tarnish the image of someone. You had promised that you would destroy my reputation and the organization. Well done.
    When you’re done achieving it, I hope you get a crown in heaven.

    “I mean, all of those extreme words, extreme usage of words just to make it look like, I mean, it is stupidity for us not to allow you go for an event because every time you go for a meeting and you’re blessed, we share in that blessing.

    “How would we sabotage our investment? We need to be a little more intelligent with the narratives we’re presenting. We do not, in the desperation to damage the reputation of someone, begin to now put ourselves in a critical light, especially to those who are very logical in reasoning and can pull one or two.

    “The question is this, are we going to carry strife in our hearts, bitterness in our hearts, resentment in our hearts and go everywhere, you know, acting like we’re doing ministry and kingdom?

    ” How does it feel to think that because I’m portraying and pushing out, you know, reconciliation and peace, it means that I am weak? What would you say to someone whom you say is more like a boss, more like a father to you, that you have now got contact, you deal with me?

    “God has helped us with this office and we’re privileged to come in here neither by association nor by marriage. This is God’s calling and anybody who says, I will deal with you and I will kill you, is not contending with me but with God who has called me. Same with her. I can never boast to say, ‘I made you, I’ll kill you,’ I didn’t make you.

    “I was privileged to have housed the platform where you found expression and this cannot be discredited. Let me ask you a question. What is the profit or crown given to a child of God who sees another one go down? It is not what anyone should be proud of.

    “I think that we are at the point where we should be truthful and sincere. There is a consistency of lies and pretence. What do you expect of someone who can perfectly imitate the voice of a child and it sounds so real like she’s a child? She’s a fantastic actress.

    ‘Keep acting, keep crying. They pray with these songs a lot. So they can’t believe that somebody who is singing worship to God can lie.

    “We understand all of that. But the truth is constant. No matter how far lies run, it takes just one truth to catch up with it.

    “This is an attack on the body of Christ. Only a stupid person would by their hand destroy what God has helped them to be.”

     I can’t bully a bully

    On Mercy Chinwo’s allegation of being bullied, EeZee Tee said: “Regarding the allegation of a bully and all of that, anyone who knows this person we’re talking about will know that you cannot bully a bully. You can find out from her roots, you can find out who she’s been, and those who work with her closely.

    “This is just an attempt to assassinate the character of someone. Let’s not go away from the real thing. If you say you’re a true child of God, and I am the one that is the problem, and I have financial fraud as you have called it, can you tell the public that you’re willing to subject your accounts to an audit, by an independent audit? Let’s make these things easy.

    “We are willing to bring out our books. All the other artists, she said, refuse to comply with audits. The audit they carried out was based on the documents we made available.

    “If there was anything that was done by the label that you didn’t like, you go to courts, the courts will order us to come. We will bring our books.

    “There are no courts that will order us to bring the books that we will not bring. We’ll bring our books and whoever is owing who would pay up.”

    On paternity allegation

    On the allegation by Mercy Chinwo that he was behind the partnership rumours of her child, EeZeeTee said: “It beats my imagination that in all of this, as sensitive as a case of a paternity saga, that’s what you want to use to put false allegations on my head.

    “I hope you have enough evidence to prove that allegation that you have made because it is totally disappointing.”

  • My former manager, Eezeetee responsible for spreading lies about my son’s paternity – Mecry Chinwo

    My former manager, Eezeetee responsible for spreading lies about my son’s paternity – Mecry Chinwo

    Gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo has accused her former manager, Ezekiel ThankGod Onyedikachukwu, aka Eezeetee, of sponsoring fake news about her son’s paternity.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Bassey had petitioned the Inspector General of Police  (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following the allegations that he fathered his colleague, Mercy Chinwo’s son in 2024.

    The singer, in a petition filed by his lawyers, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, asked the IGP to investigate and prosecute four social media users, Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid who accused him of paternal fraud.

    In a video via her Instagram page on Tuesday, the ‘Excess Love’ singer claimed that Eezeetee orchestrated the false rumours about her son.

    She also revealed that Ezekiel, seized her royalties for two years, and created a the toxic nature after she refused to extend their contract, which led her to move from Port Harcourt to Lagos for peace of mind.

    She further accused Onyedikachukwu of bullying and threatening her after she left the label.

    She said: “He looked at me and said, ‘I made you who you are, and I will destroy you.’ I became scared of my life, and it got to a point where I had to move from Lagos to Port Harcourt because this man made the environment toxic for me. I’ve endured bullying. I’ve endured threats. Whatever he is doing on social media now is nothing compared to what I went through.

    “I’ve endured bullying. I’ve endured threats. Whatever he is doing on social media now is nothing compared to what I went through. You seized my royalties for two years; you are a bully. You’re an oppressor.

    “…One of my major crimes was when I did a song with pastor Nathaniel Bassey. Because this man hates Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, you went as far as sponsoring fake news about an innocent child, my son. And you said my son was not my son. And you paid bloggers because you hate Pastor Jerry Eze. You will not want me to go for his event. The people you fight, I must fight them with you? And when I ask you questions you will start harassing me. You have bloggers I have God. The worst you can do is what you are doing.”

  • I made you and I will destroy you – Mercy Chinwo shares her harrowing experience with former manager

    I made you and I will destroy you – Mercy Chinwo shares her harrowing experience with former manager

    Renowned Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has broken her silence amid ongoing fraud allegations against the Founder of Eeze Conceptz Limited, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the gospel singer had filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing her manager of withholding royalties from her digital platforms and events without proper disclosure.

    Chinwo further alleged that Onyedikachukwu had diverted $345,000 for her, prompting her to seek legal redress.

    In response, Onyedikachukwu, through his legal counsel, Maxwell Opara, denied allegations of financial misconduct.

    However, in a lengthy statement signed by her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi on Saturday, Chinwo alleged that Onyedikachukwu swapped the original contract signed when she joined the record label in 2017 with a new one in 2019 without her knowledge.

    According to the 34-year-old singer, Eezeetee refused to give her a copy of the contract in 2017 till the contract duration expired in 2022, adding that the new contract was designed to “keep her in servitude”.

    The mother of one also accused Eezeetee of doctoring financial reports and failing to remit her share of digital streaming earnings.

    She alleged that Eezeetee retained USD 274,000 in digital platform revenues without her knowledge or consent.

    Chinwo also revealed that she and Eezeetee had reached a reconciliation agreement at the EFCC office, after which he apologised and promised to make amends, however he reneged on the agreement and took her to court instead.

    She called on Eezeetee to explain the disappearance of the original 2017 contract and the introduction of the new 2019 contract.

    The singer also urged Eezeetee to inform the public about the actual state of the two contracts.

     Read the statement below:

    MERCY CHINWO AND MR. EZEKIEL THANKGOD (EEZETEE): SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

    We are Solicitors to Minister Mercy Chinwo, hereinafter referred to as Minister Mercy.

    It is with deep concern that we address the recent controversies surrounding Minister Mercy’s relationship with Mr. Ezekiel ThankGod (Eezeetee), her former manager. While we would have preferred to maintain silence on this matter, the severity of the falsehoods being circulated compels us to clarify the facts and set the record straight.

    GENERAL NOTE

    Contrary to the sensational narratives, Minister Mercy did not initiate any court action case against Mr. Ezekiel ThankGod (Eezeetee) regarding her music catalogue. At no point has she claimed that a 50/50 revenue split from her DSP earnings is unfair. The issues with Mr. Eezeetee are, in fact, grave matters that have posed significant threats to her life and cannot be easily exhausted, but she has preferred to remain silent.

    WHAT WERE THE REAL ISSUES?

    BACKGROUND

    Minister Mercy’s journey with Eezeetee began humbly during her days as Eezeetee’s backup singer in Port Harcourt. Over time, their work relationship flourished, with Eezeetee assuming a loco parentis role, advising and mentoring her. Their relationship was not born out of contract, but beyond, She honours him like a father.

    He commenced managing her early in 2017, introduced her to his Pastor, Pastor Temple Odoko and later specifically advised that they sign a management contract on her birthday to remarkably announce their work. He brought the contract, and it was happily executed on September 5, 2017, in Port Harcourt. (Note date and place).

    WORK RELATION

    The work relation was super cordial. Minister Mercy “Excess Love” project was recorded in 2017, and it was a major success. Other projects followed. Eezeetee put in the work and passion, he talked big on his vision for gospel music in Nigeria, and she strongly bought into it.

    RELOCATION TO LAGOS

    The grace of God was evident, and need to relocate to Lagos became crucial in 2018. He established the structure, and they worked with unity and a common vision. Everyone was committed to the organization vision, and she was instrumental in ensuring that more gospel ministers, starting with Judikay, joined the organization in early 2019.

    THE TURNING POINT

    Towards the middle and end of 2019, commencing the 3rd year of working with Eezeetee, things began to change gradually. They had discussions, as usual, about the organization and her plans. He expressed his intention for her to extend her five-year contract to twelve years. However, she declined, stating that she is got other plans.

    Afterwards, she noticed that at any given opportunity to address any issue, Eezeetee would be hostile and make reference to the contract. He started talking tough and repeatedly about the contract, which was not the norm. It was at this point that she realized she needed to have a copy of the contract. As the situation got worse in 2020 she demanded for her copy of the contract. (By the way, her copy of the contract was only given at the end of the contract time on the 23rd of November, 2022)

    By the fourth year, the relationship had become extremely toxic, as Minister Mercy started to endure untold verbal and emotional assault that literally affected her person. Eezeetee would threaten her with statements like: “I will deal with you, I will mess you up, I made you whom you are, I can shut you up, and nobody will hear you again, I will destroy your career” including the use of the “F” word, sadly on different occasions. Extremely hostile, antagonistic and abusive.

    Eezeetee continue to intimidate her, isolating and bulling her, misleading people inviting her for events about her availability.

    When she gets invitations to minister at programs, the management would respond to the invitees that she was not available or that she was sick. In some cases, the management would demand an outrageous fee for her to attend programs in order to frustrate the invitation.

    One of such heartbreaking incidents involved a church program that had been concluded for her to attend in October 2021, hosted by a father of faith in Edo State, Rev. Felix Omobode. Eezeetee suddenly told the host that Minister Mercy could not attend because she had a terminal health problem. She got wind of it and fought back. It became chaos while she threatened it was over and done with the organization.

    She was threatened with the contract but she insisted she will go and minister against the management’s wish. There were interventions, after much pressure, he claimed the organizers did not make flight arrangements. She said she will attend by any means. He eventually booked the flight. To her surprise, her host came along with a medical team to the airport to receive her believing she was unwell and may need support. Meanwhile, Minister Mercy also discovered that her ticket and that of Eezeetee had been long booked by the host.

    RECONCILIATION

    Though broken, she made efforts at reconciliation. She prayed and had discussions with her spiritual mentor. She decided to make a deliberate effort to restore the good working relationship. She was led to sow a seed to him. She bought a brand-new SUV for him as a seed. She made efforts, and they tried to achieve a genuine reconciliation. They reconciled, but he was more particular about posting the car on social media to appreciate her. She declined, and things got worse.

    The situation worsened as there was no longer trust. She lived in tears. She had to narrate her experience to Minister Chioma Jesus, whose intervention led to the management returning her call lines to her in December 2021 to manage her program scheduling herself. Without removing her cost of logistics for travels and remuneration for her team members which she must pay, she remitted an absolute total of 50% of any gift or honorarium with date and evidence to Eezeetee. If she delayed, he would certainly send a mail.

    CASE OF FORGERY

    After her contract had expired on the 5th of September, 2022, Minister Mercy was directed to get her copy of the contract from his Pastor, Temple Odoko who has now become their mutual father, and she got her copy November 22, 2022. Shockingly, It turned out that the contract that was signed in 2017 had been replaced with another contract made in 2019. A new contract made in 2019 was altered to seem as if it was the document signed in 2017.

    Clearly, on the face of the contract, at the front page, the “2019” was altered to “2017” by turning the “9” to “7” with a pen. However, the commencement page was carelessly reading “2019.” Eezeetee is challenged in one word to release the first three pages and the execution page of the contract in public. The contract till date has no original, just the photocopy.

    Due diligence revealed that after signing the original contract in 2017, two years later, when they had relocated to lagos. Eezeetee secured the services of a prominent and respected law firm in Lagos (Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie) to prepare a new contract in 2019. The contract was used to substitute the 2017 original contract.

    The contract was prepared and sent to him via email in 2019 by Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie. He altered the front page of the contract to read 2017 and claimed it was the contract signed. Meanwhile, the commencement date was carelessly left as 2019 on the document. He refused to release the original contract signed in 2017 but the new one 2019.

    At an investigation meeting, Our Managing Partner, Pelumi Olajengbesi respectfully asked Mr. Mena Ajakpovi, Esq., Partner at Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie, to speak to the integrity of the contract. The partner confirmed that while they drafted the contract in 2019, it was never signed in their presence as Eezeetee claimed. He added that their firm only sent it to him via email and was not aware of the 2017 alterations on the contract. This exposed the fact that it was not the same contract signed 2017 in Porhartcourt.

    It is important to reiterate that while the 2017 contract was just about 5 pages, the 2019 contract, which was introduced by Eezeetee to replace the old contract was 25 pages, allocating lifetime ownership of all music works to Eezeetee and couched in a manner intended to perpetually have Minister Mercy in servitude.

    OTHER ISSUES

    Eezeetee, in the continued onerous act, doctored reports received from Symphonic, Africori, and YouTube by not declaring the correct revenue split to be paid out to Minister Mercy. He brought documents in the mid years of the contract that she needs to sign to help recover her revenue from publishing as song writer. Yet, he falsely listed himself as the writer of all her songs, to receive revenues as both writer and producer. He refused to remit her a penny from the publishing revenue for the past seven years, from inception till date and Minister Mercy didn’t make it an issue. He did not remit his ‘choiced’ 50% of the Digital Streams earnings from 2022 to 2024 — a complete two years.

    Eezeetee claimed he has paid her over $600,000; that couldn’t have been the reason for the issues. Minister Mercy recorded and released almost 40 songs with him. Whatever he has remitted to her is from the 50% ratio, and she has never complained about the percentage.

    AFTER THE CONTRACT

    Minister Mercy made significant efforts to record an additional album before the expiration of her contract. She had clear instructions on the songs, wrote them down and sent a list to Eezeetee, requesting a recording schedule. However, his responses were dismissive, with one reply stating, “Na you dey teach me work now,” and another time, indicating he was too busy at the time.

    After the original contract, which spanned from 2017 to 2022, had expired, Eezeetee insisted that the contract be extended. He justified this by citing the fact that a third album had not been recorded, referencing a questionable contract clause from 2019.

    APOSTLE ANSELEM’S MADUBUKO INTERVENTION

    Apostle Anselem attempted to help resolve the matter on several occasions. We were advised to forgive and forget, and we happily did. Eezeetee was told to remit Minister Mercy’s due, and everyone agreed on an independent audit. A neutral auditor was appointed. The audit was about to start when Eezeetee pulled out and refused to comply further on the excuse that his lawyer was not at the meeting where the audit was agreed upon. The auditor had to resign for lack of cooperation. Having seen the volume of revenue coming, he had to manipulate a new contract.

    FORGERY AND DIVERSION INVESTIGATION

    At the EFCC investigation panel in 2024, with all parties present and their lawyers, it was established that the sum of USD 274,000 had been unlawfully retained and diverted by Eezeetee from digital platform revenues reviewed as at then. Eezeetee claimed Minister Mercy had asked him to help keep part of the revenue to avoid mismanagement and that he was holding the remaining to ensure reconciliation before releasing the payment. He stated there was no intention to steal. He was understood. The money was recovered peacefully.

    Eezeetee now admitted at the EFCC office for very first time that there were two contracts, the original signed in 2017 and another he introduced two years after the actual contract had been signed. He, however, appealed that the matter be settled amicably in peace. He started crying and preached peace. Minister Mercy broke down emotionally also in tears. There was forgiveness and reconciliation.

    The Legal Practitioner representing Mr. Eezeetee, Dapo Akinosun SAN, Senior Partner at Simmons Cooper Partners admonished that parties should settle as Christian family. Eezeetee apologized in tears to Minister Mercy, and reconciliation was encouraged. Parties settled, and the learned silk encouraged that a settlement agreement be prepared and signed afterward.

    A draft agreement was prepared and sent to us by the Learned Silk representing Eezeetee, outlining terms aimed at amicably resolving the matter. After reviewing the draft, we provided our input to address certain terms and awaited the signing of the final settlement agreement. However, upon following up with the Learned Silk, the last response remained that we should wait.

    COURT CASE

    Just as we were waiting for Eezeetee to finalize the settlement peacefully by signing, we were told that Eezeetee had engaged a new lawyer and had now taken the matter to court. Eezeetee was the one who filed a court case against Mercy Chinwo and Judikay separately, in suit referenced – LMDC/09-24/289/WI-M. The same Eezeetee pushed the false report of Minister Mercy taking him to court for a catalogue to mislead the public and draw sentiments or pity to him.

    He filed another suit in court against the EFCC for investigating the allegations. We latter heard that he has been charged for fraud by EFCC, a warrant of arrest issued for him to be compelled to appear before the court.

    FINAL SETTLEMENT

    Minister Mercy firmly believes that the Lord has settled her and wiped away her tears, reaffirming her position that these issues are not beyond resolution. However, Eezeetee should tell the world as he has been doing, what happened to the 2017 contract she signed in Port Harcourt? What is the reason behind the introduction of a new Lagos-based contract in 2019? Why was the document forged? and why has he refused to inform the public about the true state of the two contracts.

    Minister Mercy deeply appreciates your prayers, love, and continued support during this time.

    SIGNED:
    Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
    Solicitors and Attorneys-at-Law to Minister Mercy Chinwo