Ezekiel ThankGod’s Foreign Exchange Malpractice and Money Laundering Case Adjourned to September 2025
Ezekiel ThankGod, a prominent music promoter also known as Eezee Tee, and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, are facing charges of foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them on May 7, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The case, which was initially presided over by Justice Owoeye, has been reassigned to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The charges involve a substantial sum of $397,106, and the prosecution alleges that ThankGod and his company illegally negotiated foreign exchange transactions without proper authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The EFCC’s statement details one specific count against ThankGod and Eezee Global Concepts Limited. This count alleges that in June 2023, they negotiated a foreign exchange transaction with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke for $52,895. This action is alleged to be in violation of Section 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous (Provisions) Act, a law designed to regulate foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria and prevent illicit activities like money laundering. This particular transaction forms part of the larger sum involved in the overall charges.
On Friday, during the resumed hearing under Justice Aneke, the prosecution, led by Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, presented their first witness, Mohammed Timta. However, the proceedings took an unexpected turn when the defense counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court of ongoing negotiations towards a possible resolution. Ojukwu requested an adjournment to allow for these discussions to conclude, suggesting that if an agreement could not be reached, the trial would proceed as scheduled. This indicates a potential for the case to be resolved outside of a full trial.
Justice Aneke granted the defense’s request and adjourned the case to September 26, 2025. This adjournment provides a window of opportunity for both parties to explore a possible settlement. Should these negotiations fail, the trial will resume on the adjourned date, with the prosecution continuing to present their case against ThankGod and his company. The adjournment suggests a strategic move by the defense, possibly aiming to negotiate a plea bargain or other resolution that could mitigate the potential consequences for their client.
The adjournment to September 2025 raises several questions about the future of the case. Will the parties reach a settlement, avoiding a lengthy and complex trial? If a resolution is not reached, what evidence will the prosecution present to support their allegations of foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering? The defense’s strategy remains unclear, and it remains to be seen whether they will challenge the prosecution’s evidence directly or explore alternative legal arguments. The significant amount of time granted for negotiation suggests a complex case with potentially extensive evidence and legal arguments.
The charges against ThankGod and his company highlight the importance of adhering to foreign exchange regulations. These regulations are in place to maintain economic stability, prevent illicit financial flows, and combat money laundering. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for the Nigerian music industry and could serve as a precedent for future cases involving foreign exchange transactions. The delayed resumption of proceedings adds an element of anticipation as observers await the results of the ongoing negotiations and the potential unfolding of the trial. The substantial sum involved underscores the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences for ThankGod and his company.
