Music Promoter Eezee Tee Arraigned Over Alleged $397k Money Laundering, FX Violations
Renowned gospel music promoter Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu ThankGod, popularly known as Eezee Tee, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged foreign exchange violations and money laundering amounting to $397,106.
The case was brought before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. Eezee Tee and his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, are facing a refiled seven-count amended charge after the case was reassigned from Justice Owoeye to Justice Aneke.
⚖️ Charges at a Glance:
One of the charges alleges that Eezee Tee illegally negotiated a $52,895 FX transaction in June 2023 without CBN authorization.
Another charge claims he failed to declare business activities involving $137,383 paid into a Zenith Bank account to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Eezee Tee pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.
🔒 The Bail Drama:
The EFCC, represented by Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, opposed the bail request, arguing that the defendant repeatedly evaded service and ignored commission invitations despite earlier being granted administrative bail.
In contrast, defence counsel Chikaozolu Ojukwu, SAN, requested bail on the “most liberal terms” and asked the court to release the defendant to his custody, citing cooperation and the non-violent nature of the charges.
Justice Aneke ruled that a decision on bail would be delivered on 9 May 2025, and for now, Eezee Tee remains in his lawyer’s custody.
🗣️ Opinion – Gospel and Governance: When Talent Meets the Law
This development raises tough questions about accountability in Nigeria’s fast-growing gospel music industry. While many know Eezee Tee for launching gospel stars and uplifting spiritual content, this legal saga casts a shadow over an otherwise inspirational career.
Whether guilty or innocent, the proceedings highlight the importance of transparency in business dealings—even in religious circles. In an era where FX regulations and anti-money laundering laws are tightening, artistes and their managers must tread carefully.
Let the law take its course—but let it also serve as a wake-up call: faith and fame don’t exempt anyone from compliance.
🔍 What are your thoughts on Eezee Tee’s case? Should the music industry receive more financial regulation oversight?
