Nigerian music producer Ezekiel ThankGod, popularly known as EeZeeTee, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦20 million following his arraignment over an alleged $255,000 foreign exchange fraud. The development occurred at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, where Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke presided over the hearing.
The music executive, best known in the gospel music scene and for his affiliation with EeZee Conceptz, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and fraudulent currency dealings.
According to the EFCC, EeZeeTee allegedly obtained the sum of $255,000 under the pretext of providing naira equivalent at an agreed exchange rate but failed to fulfil his part of the bargain. The anti-graft agency noted that the transaction occurred sometime in 2023 and involved a foreign business associate who later lodged a complaint after several efforts to retrieve the money proved abortive.
Details of the Allegations
The charge sheet presented by the EFCC alleges that EeZeeTee received the said funds from a client who sought to convert U.S. dollars into naira for business purposes in Nigeria. Instead of remitting the agreed naira equivalent, the music producer allegedly diverted the funds for personal use and failed to make good on his financial obligation.
Count one of the charges reads in part: “That you, Ezekiel ThankGod (a.k.a. EeZeeTee), on or about the 18th day of July 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $255,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand United States Dollars) under the pretence that you had the capacity to exchange same for naira at a pre-agreed rate, which representation you knew to be false.”
The alleged offence contravenes Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Plea and Bail Application
EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him in court. Following his plea, his defence counsel, Barrister Anthony Olufade, applied for bail, citing his client’s strong ties to the country, his respectable status in the entertainment industry, and his willingness to cooperate with investigators.
Olufade argued that the accused had no prior criminal record and was not a flight risk, noting that his continued detention would negatively impact his music company and the artists signed under his label. The defence further urged the court to consider a lenient bail condition to enable EeZeeTee to attend trial while maintaining his obligations.
In response, the EFCC prosecution team led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not oppose the bail application but requested that the court impose conditions that would ensure the defendant’s availability throughout the trial. He stressed the need to balance the defendant’s rights with the seriousness of the allegations.
Court Ruling
In his ruling, Justice Aneke granted EeZeeTee bail in the sum of ₦20 million with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a property owner within Lagos metropolis, while the other must be a gainfully employed individual with proof of steady income. Both sureties are to present evidence of tax payments for the last three years and provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and passport photographs.
Justice Aneke also ordered that EeZeeTee deposit his international passport with the court’s registry and must not travel outside the country without express permission from the court. The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
Public Reaction
The news of EeZeeTee’s arrest and subsequent arraignment has stirred mixed reactions across social media platforms, particularly among fans of gospel music and industry stakeholders. Some expressed shock, noting his public image as a devout Christian and creative entrepreneur, while others urged the public to reserve judgment until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
Industry colleagues have largely remained silent on the matter, with a few offering words of support without delving into the specifics of the case. A gospel artist who requested anonymity stated, “It’s a trying time, and I hope the truth comes to light. EeZeeTee has done a lot for the gospel music scene, but if there was a mistake made, the law has to take its course.”
Background on EeZeeTee
EeZeeTee is a well-known figure in the Nigerian gospel music industry. As the founder of EeZee Conceptz, he has managed and promoted several top gospel artists, including Mercy Chinwo, GUC, and Judikay. His label is credited with producing some of the most successful gospel albums and singles in recent years.
Aside from music production, he is known for organising faith-based events and music outreach programs, which have earned him a reputation as a gospel entrepreneur. His arrest and ongoing trial have come as a surprise to many in the religious and entertainment communities, casting a shadow over his celebrated career.
As the trial progresses, all eyes will remain on the court to determine whether the allegations hold weight or if the music executive will be exonerated of the charges. Meanwhile, EeZeeTee remains out on bail, awaiting the next hearing date.
