The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, arraigned popular music promoter Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, also known as Eezee Tee, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. ThankGod was arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on an amended seven-count charge bordering on alleged foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering to the tune of $397,106 (Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Six United States Dollars).
The arraignment follows the reassignment of the case from Justice Owoeye to Justice Aneke. The EFCC accuses ThankGod and his company of engaging in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and failing to comply with mandatory reporting requirements under Nigerian anti-money laundering laws. The charges stem from transactions carried out between June 2023 and 2024.
Details of the ThankGod Alleged Offences Unveiled in Court
One of the counts against ThankGod and Eezee Global Concepts Limited alleged that, in June 2023, they negotiated an unauthorized foreign exchange transaction involving the naira equivalent of $52,895 with one Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke. The EFCC contends that this act violated Section 5(1) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which restricts such transactions to authorized dealers appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Another count detailed how, in 2024, the defendant allegedly failed to submit a declaration of his company’s activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), as required under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. According to the charge, a total sum of $137,383 was paid into Eezee Global Concepts Limited’s Zenith Bank account without the necessary disclosures, constituting a violation of anti-money laundering regulations.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Seeks Bail
When the charges were read in court, ThankGod pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre pending trial. She cited the seriousness of the offences and concerns about the defendant’s previous conduct.
However, defence counsel, Chikaozolu Ojukwu, SAN, prayed the court to grant his client bail “in the most liberal terms,” arguing that ThankGod posed no flight risk and would comply with any court-imposed conditions. Ojukwu also requested that the defendant be released into his custody should bail be granted, assuring the court of his client’s cooperation.
Prosecution Opposes Bail, Citing Non-Compliance with EFCC Invitations
In response, prosecution counsel Buhari-Bala opposed the bail application, informing the court that the EFCC had filed a 16-paragraph counter-affidavit, sworn to by investigator Mohammed Adamu, on March 4, 2025. She argued that the defendant had evaded service of court processes on several occasions and had failed to honour invitations by the EFCC despite being granted administrative bail.
Buhari-Bala further expressed concerns about the defendant’s willingness to stand trial, emphasizing the need to ensure his availability in court. She urged the court not to release ThankGod to his counsel, noting the Commission’s difficulties in securing his compliance during the investigation phase.
Court Adjourns Ruling on Bail Application
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Aneke adjourned the ruling on the bail application until May 9, 2025. In the interim, the judge ordered that ThankGod be released to his counsel pending the court’s decision on whether to grant bail.
The case has attracted attention within entertainment and legal circles, given ThankGod’s prominence as a music promoter. As proceedings continue, stakeholders await the court’s ruling on his bail and the eventual trial date, which will determine the next phase in this high-profile case.
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