By Lizzy Chirkpi
Renowned music promoter Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, widely known as Eezee Tee was arraigned today, Wednesday 7 May 2025 at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against him and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, in a case involving alleged foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering totaling $397,106.
Although, Eezee Tee pleaded not guilty to the seven-count amended charge. This development follows the reassignment of the case from Justice Owoeye of the same court.
The charges detail instances of alleged unauthorized foreign exchange transactions. One count specifically accuses ThankGod and his company of negotiating a foreign exchange deal equivalent to $52,895 in June 2023 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke, despite not being an authorized buyer as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations.
Further accusations include the company’s alleged failure to declare its activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) in 2024, during which a total of $137,383 was reportedly paid into Eezee Global Concepts Limited’s Zenith Bank account.
Following the plea, the prosecution, led by Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
However, the defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chikaozolu Ojukwu, pleaded for his client’s bail on liberal terms, requesting his release into his custody if granted.
Buhari-Bala countered the bail application, informing the court of a 16-paragraph counter-affidavit filed by EFCC investigator Mohammed Adamu. She argued that ThankGod had previously evaded service and failed to honor invitations from the EFCC, despite being on administrative bail. The prosecution opposed releasing him to his counsel under these circumstances.
Justice Aneke has adjourned the ruling on the bail application until May 9, 2025. In the interim, the defendant was released to his counsel. This case underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes, including foreign exchange fraud and money laundering, within the Nigerian economic landscape.