Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, professionally known as Eezee Tee, a prominent figure in the music promotion industry, found himself facing legal challenges when he was arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 7, 2025. The charges, brought forth by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involved allegations of money laundering and foreign exchange violations amounting to a substantial sum of $397,106. These charges, encompassing seven counts, were a refiled and amended version of an earlier case initially presided over by Justice Owoeye, now transferred to Justice Aneke’s jurisdiction for continuation.
The specific accusations against ThankGod and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, revolve around illicit foreign exchange transactions and a failure to comply with mandatory financial reporting regulations. One particular instance highlighted in the charges detailed a transaction in June 2023 where ThankGod allegedly negotiated a foreign exchange deal equivalent to $52,895 with Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke without possessing the required authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria. This action, according to the prosecution, contravenes provisions of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous (Provisions) Act. Furthermore, the EFCC accused ThankGod and his company of failing to submit a declaration of their activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering in 2024, a period during which a sum of $137,383 was deposited into Eezee Concepts Limited’s Zenith Bank account. This omission allegedly violates the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Upon the reading of the charges, ThankGod entered a plea of “not guilty” to all counts. The prosecution, represented by Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, immediately requested the court to schedule a trial date and sought the defendant’s remand in a correctional facility. Countering this, defense counsel Chikaozolu Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), appealed for bail to be granted to his client on the most lenient terms possible. He proposed that ThankGod remain in his custody while awaiting trial, assuring the court of his client’s cooperation.
The prosecution challenged the bail application, citing a 16-paragraph affidavit sworn by EFCC investigator Mohammed Adamu on March 4, 2025. Buhari-Bala argued that despite being previously granted administrative bail, ThankGod had demonstrated a pattern of non-compliance, failing to respond to multiple invitations from the Commission and effectively evading his responsibilities. She emphasized the risk of the defendant absconding if released and urged the judge to deny the request for release into the custody of his lawyer.
Justice Aneke, in a temporary ruling, opted for a middle ground. Recognizing the arguments presented by both sides, the judge ordered ThankGod’s release into the custody of his attorney, Chikaozolu Ojukwu, pending a more comprehensive decision on the bail application. This temporary arrangement provided a temporary resolution, allowing the defendant a degree of freedom while simultaneously ensuring his availability for future court proceedings. The final decision on the bail application was adjourned to May 9, 2025.
The case of Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by individuals and businesses operating within the entertainment and financial sectors. The charges against him highlight the importance of adhering to foreign exchange regulations and financial reporting obligations, particularly in the fight against money laundering. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for the industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and compliance with existing laws. The temporary release of ThankGod into his lawyer’s custody reflects the court’s attempt to balance the interests of justice with the defendant’s rights, while awaiting a more thorough assessment of the bail application. The eventual decision on the bail application will significantly impact the course of the trial, determining whether ThankGod will remain free pending the outcome of the proceedings or be remanded in custody. The case continues to attract considerable attention within the entertainment and legal circles, as it unfolds and awaits its final resolution.
