By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Mr Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, who is the former manager of a popular gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was brought before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a seven-count charge bordering on an alleged $255,446 money laundering scheme.

Mr Onyedikachukwu, who runs a record label known as EeZee Conceptz, was accused of committing an offense, which contravenes Sections 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and is punishable under Section 29(2) of the same law.

The EFCC, which brought the suspect and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, before Justice Aneke through its counsel, Ms Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, said in June 2023, the music executive, “without being an authorized foreign exchange dealer appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), negotiated a foreign exchange transaction worth $52,895 with one Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke.”

It was further argued that in March 2021, the defendant conducted an unauthorized $70,000 forex transaction with Avalan Chetrase 1307 Company and in October 2022, executed a transaction of $18,775 with one Gift Ugochi Christopher.

Also, the anti-money laundering agency alleged that the suspects received $65,703 without declaration, and in 2023 and 2024, received $52,350 and $137,383, respectively, without filing the mandatory financial disclosures with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).

However, Mr Onyedikachukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting Ms Buhari-Bala to request his remand in a correctional facility pending trial, which his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) opposed, informing the court of a bail application dated February 28, 2025.

In his ruling, Justice Aneke temporarily released the defendant to his lawyer as demanded, fixing May 9, 2025, for ruling on the bail application.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

For the fourth consecutive year, Ecobank Nigeria will hold the now-prestigious Adire Lagos Exhibition from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The event attracts fashion and cultural enthusiasts as well as creatives, and shoppers from across the country to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos.

A statement from the bank disclosed that this year, over 120 vendors are expected to showcase their latest products at the four-day programme.

Ecobank said attendees can look forward to an immersive cultural experience, including authentic hand-dyed Adire textiles, indigenous cuisine, live performances, interactive masterclasses, and valuable networking opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

“The remarkable success of previous editions has inspired us to go even further this year. Adire Lagos has become a platform that promotes tourism, celebrates local artistry, and strengthens the creative economy.

“We’re expecting high-profile exhibitors, international vendors, influencers, and members of the diplomatic and expatriate communities. This is truly an open invitation to everyone to experience Nigerian culture at its finest.

“It’s more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of our identity, innovation, and craftsmanship.

“We welcome everyone to join us for four vibrant days of culture, commerce, and connection,” the Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Omoboye Odu, said.

The Adire Lagos Exhibition celebrates Nigeria’s vibrant heritage through the timeless artistry of Adire fabric. This year’s edition will feature over 120 vendors, drawing in fashion lovers, cultural enthusiasts, creatives, and shoppers for a dynamic fusion of tradition, style, and enterprise.

The initiative is part of Ecobank Nigeria’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.

Earlier this year, the lender hosted the acclaimed +234Art Fair, spotlighting emerging visual artists across the country.

It also introduced Oja-Ògè, a fashion pop-up market showcasing contemporary Nigerian design beyond Adire, further reinforcing Lagos’ status as a fashion and creative hub.

Ecobank continues to position itself as Nigeria’s leading SME bank, with a special focus on empowering creative entrepreneurs. Through innovative banking solutions and strategic platforms like Adire Lagos, the bank offers creatives greater visibility, access, and growth opportunities.

Quickteller, leading digital payments platform powered by Interswitch, and Verve, Africa’s foremost payment cards and digital tokens brand, have been unveiled as official sponsors of the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

As the AMVCA continues to celebrate excellence and innovation in African film, television, and digital content, Quickteller and Verve are proud to partner with this flagship event, further reaffirming their commitment to supporting creativity, storytelling, and talent development across the continent.

In line with the sponsorship, Verve will sponsor the Best Lead Actor award category, celebrating excellence in performance, while Quickteller will sponsor the Best Score/Music award, recognising the outstanding contributions of music creators to African storytelling.

This year’s AMVCA will feature 27 award categories, spanning audience-voted and jury-decided sections. Among the standout nominees are productions such as Seven Doors, Lisabi: The Uprising, and Skeleton Coast, alongside celebrated actors and actresses including Adedimeji Lateef, Femi Adebayo, Chioma Chukwuka, and Bimbo Ademoye.

The ceremony will also see the presentation of two special recognition awards — the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award, honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa’s entertainment industry.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch Group, said, “At Interswitch, we are passionate about enabling growth and celebrating excellence across different spheres of life, including the creative industry. Through our brands Quickteller and Verve, we are proud to support the AMVCA in spotlighting the incredible talent and innovation shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape.

“We believe that stories have the power to unite, uplift, and inspire. We are honoured to stand with the creators who are telling Africa’s stories with authenticity, passion, and brilliance. We look forward to an inspiring celebration of African storytelling at its finest.”

Organised by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, the AMVCA continues to serve as a platform for recognising and rewarding exceptional talents that are shaping Africa’s creative future. As proud champions of African creativity, Quickteller and Verve are delighted to celebrate the individuals and productions that have captivated audiences across the continent and beyond.

The 11th AMVCA promises to be an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration and recognition, showcasing the best of Africa’s film and television industry.