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FG to prosecute Zinox boss, Ekeh, wife over alleged N170.3m fraud

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Zinox

FG to prosecute Zinox boss, Leo Stan Ekeh, wife over alleged N170.3m fraud

Zinox

Nigeria’s federal government has charged Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group, his wife, Chioma and 11 other suspects to court over alleged N170.3 million contract fraud.

On September 9, 2022, Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, filed a 17-count charge against the suspects in suit No. FCT/HC/CR/469/2022 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

 

 

The charge was filed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, following the approval he granted to Falana’s request for fiat/powers to prosecute the suspects.

No date has been fixed yet for the commencement of the trial.

 

 

Apart from Ekeh and his wife, other suspects Falana listed in the charge sheet for the prosecution included Chris Eze Ozims, the Legal Adviser/Company Secretary, Zinox Group and Technologies Distributions Limited (TD); Folashade Oyebode, a director in TD and Charles Adigwe, the Accountant with TD.

Others included the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of both Ad’mas Technologies Limited and Pirovic Engineering Services Limited, Onny Igbokwe, and his accomplice, Princess O. Kama.

 

 

 

Also, listed in the charge sheet are Technologies Distributions Limited (TD), Ad’mas Technologies Limited and Pirovic Engineering Services Limited, three companies indicted by police investigations into the matter.

In 2013, the Managing Director of Citadel Oracle Concepts Limited, an Ibadan-based ICT retail firm, Benjamen Joseph, petitioned the Police to complain about the fraud uncovered against his company allegedly perpetrated by the suspects.

 

 

Joseph said the fraud involved a N170.3 million contract for the supply of computer systems awarded by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to his company in 2012, which was hijacked by suspects and executed using his company’s name without his knowledge and consent.

The businessman said the suspects also conspired to forge his signature on a fake Board of Directors resolution used to facilitate the opening of a fictitious account No. 0059202675 with Access Bank PLC for the payment of the proceeds of the fraud.

 

 

 

Although investigations by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigerian Police Force were concluded since 2014 and a prima-facie case established against the suspects, Joseph said the police refused to prosecute the suspects.

Initial investigations by the SFU of the Federal Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) indicted eight persons. But Falana listed 11 suspects in the charge sheet accompanying the application seen by our reporter on Thursday in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

However, in a letter to the AGF confirming the filing of the charge, Falana said findings by his law chambers revealed that at least 13 persons were found to have played various roles in the alleged fraud in 2012.

Joseph had accused the suspects of deploying all sorts of devious means, including the manipulation of the courts, the police and anti-graft agencies to evade trial.

 

 

 

 

On May 8, 2015, Joseph said he petitioned the then Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, to highlight his company’s frustration to get the police to transfer the case file to the DPP for the prosecution of the suspects.

However, Arase refused to take action against the suspects. Rather he said Arase advised that the civil case he filed against the suspects should be allowed to run its full course before the criminal case to avoid the miscarriage of justice.

 

 

 

 

 

Not satisfied, Joseph petitioned Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into the matter.

Although the EFCC quizzed the suspects and confirmed their complicity in the crime, the police refused to prosecute them.

 

 

 

 

In a curious twist of fate, on June 16, 2016, prior to Arase’s exit from office, Joseph was charged by the police on a one-count allegation of false petitioning of the IGP against the suspects in a case the suspects were used by the police as prosecution witnesses.

On July 2, 2016, Joseph was formally arraigned before Justice Peter Kekemeke at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja, for misinforming the former IGP.

 

 

 

 

The police prosecution counsel, Simon Lough, in a one-count charge No. CR/216/16 of “false petitioning”, through his petition of July 3, 2014, about the Board resolution used by the suspects in opening the fictitious bank account with Access Bank PLC, used in committing the fraud.

In November 2018, Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), requested from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for a fiat/power to prosecute the suspects.

 

 

 

 

For more than six years, the businessman has stood trial by the police over alleged false petitioning, while the suspects were being shielded from prosecution for the crime.

Although the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, faulted the trial and approved its takeover by the Ministry of Justice, the police continued to insist on the prosecution of the businessman.

 

 

 

 

Based on the legal advice by the Minister, representatives of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on November 15, 2021 took over prosecution in the case.

Following the handing over to the DPP of the case file by the police prosecution lawyer, Simon Longh, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), the prosecution of the businessman was thought to have terminated.

 

 

 

The Federal High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama presided by Justice Peter Kekemeke was awaiting the legal advice from the office of the AGF to formally bring to closure the trial of the businessman and commencement of the prosecution of the suspects.

But, on May 10, 2022, AGF Malami, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 174(1) of the Constitution 1999 (as amended), approved the request by Falana for powers to prosecute the suspects in court for the crime.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 174(1) of the Constitution empowers the AGF to intervene and terminate any case if, in his judgment, based of his review in the course of trial, there are reasons to suspect the possibility of miscarriage of justice against the accused.

Pursuant to the AGF’s authorization, Falana, on September 9,2022, filed a 17-count charge in suit No. FCT/HC/CR/469/2022 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory against 13 persons suspected to have played various roles in the alleged fraud in 2012.

 

 

 

The particulars of the charge showed that the suspects individually and collectively connived to perpetrate the crime in 2012 by illegally hijacking a N170.3 million contract awarded by the FIRS to Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

The suspects were also charged for executing the contract in the name of Citadel Oracle without the consent and knowledge of its owner and Managing Director, in addition to their connivance with Access Bank to procure a fake Board resolution in the name of the company to open a fictitious account used to siphon the proceeds of the fraud.

 

 

 

 

On September 15, 2022, Falana wrote to the AGF to inform him of the filing of the charges in court against the suspects, pending the commencement of trial.

Consequently, Falana urged the Minister to direct that the ongoing case No. FCT/HC/CR/216/2016 by the police against Joseph be discontinued.

 

 

 

 

The filing of a formal charge against the suspects is coming more often than nine years after Benjamin Joseph, who is the Managing Director of an Ibadan-based ICT retail firm, Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, first reported the matter to the police in 2014, and eight years after police investigation found the suspects culpable of the crime.

After four adjournments since DPP’s takeover of the case by the police against Joseph, at the resumed sitting of the court on Tuesday, the expectation was that the case would finally be terminated and the date for the commencement of trial of the suspects announced.

 

 

 

But the court was shocked that at the commencement of the day’s proceedings, Simon Lough, the police prosecution counsel, showed up to announce appearance and his readiness to continue prosecution of the businessman in apparent defiance of a subsisting Ministerial approval for the police to hands-off the matter and handover to the DPP.

Although the presiding Judge, Peter Kekemeke, expressed surprise at Lough’s mission without a letter from the AGF informing the court of his decision to reverse his earlier decision and return the case to the police, he blamed the confusion on the delay by the AGF’s office to conclude the taking over of the case.

 

 

 

To allow the defence counsel and Joseph’s lawyer, Bob James, enough time to file an appropriate response to Lough’s impromptu action, the court adjourned sitting to November 3,2022.

Falana reacts

Reacting to police lawyer’s insistence on continuing with the prosecution of the case despite a subsisting directive by the Minister for police to withdraw, Falana said he was ready to proceed with the prosecution of the suspects.

“Based on the AGF’s fiat granted our law firm to prosecute the suspects, we have filed the charges. The AGF is entitled to withdraw the fiat and take over the prosecution of the case from us. However, since he has not done so, and we are not aware he is contemplating any such action, we are proceeding with the prosecution of the case, whenever the date to do so is given by the court,” Falana said on Tuesday.

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“ Life Has Been Hard For Us” – Widow Of Murdered LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro Cries Out

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The widow of Idowu Keshinro, the murdered Ota Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA staff has cried out for justice following the gruesome killing of her husband whom she had three children with.

The widow, Funke Keshinro stated that since her husband was killed, life has not been the same for her and the children because the deceased was the breadwinner of the family.

She revealed that she had to change the schools of the children because it’s been difficult to afford the private schools their father had enrolled them in before he died.

‘’Since my husband died, life has not been easy at all because when he was alive, he never joked with his children but now, it’s just me alone and it’s not easy. Since he died, I had to change the schools of the children to government-owned schools from private schools because I can’t continue all he used to do.’’

While speaking on what she wants from the government, Funke asserted that she wants justice for deceased husband. She mentioned that she doesn’t want the person that killed her husband to live because there are rumours that the arrested suspect would be released at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

Some of the suspects involved in this murder include Mukaila Salau, Tiamiyu Ahmed, Waliu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, Akande Ahmed Omogbemi, Abubakar Suleiman Mayaki, and others who are currently at large.

Funke tearfully noted that the children can’t recognize their father because they are still small, explaining how it’s been difficult raising them alone because their father’s life was cut short.

“I want the government to please fast-track justice; the person that killed him should also die. I want justice and nothing more. We have heard that they have arrested some people but we are waiting for judgement. I want a judgment that would be good for the three children and me. These children cannot even recognize their father because they are still young and I have also heard they want to release some of those who were arrested. Please, the government should help me, everyone that knows about my husband’s death should be judged accordingly.”

Meanwhile, in a petition dated October 18th 2024 written to the attorney general of Lagos state, it was noted that the suspects that have been arrested are currently boasting that they will be released at the next court sitting. They had been arraigned at Ogba Magistrate court on two occasions for their involvement in the murder of Idowun Keshinro.

The family of the deceased however, in the petition, called on the Lagos state government and Ministry of justice to ensure justice isn’t perverted for the sake of the deceased family and the peace of the community.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

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Family Appeals To Governor Sanwo-Olu For Justice Over Murder of LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro

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The family of late Idowu Keshinro, a former staff member of the Agbowa Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ota Ikosi Ejinrin, has made an urgent appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following fears that justice may not be served.

Although, suspects including popular land grabber, Abubakar Suleiman Miyaki, Mukaila Salau, Tiyamiyu Ahmed, Waltu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, and others have been arrested and arraigned before Ogba Magistrate court, the family of the deceased have claimed that there are ‘secret’ moves to free them unconditionally even though there is evidence that confirms the direct involvement of the suspects in the murder of Idowu Keshinro.

In a petition written to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the deceased’s elder brother, Akeem Keshinro explained that other suspects that are at large have been making boast of having connections with the attorney general of Lagos whom they claim will assist in releasing the arrested suspects unconditionally at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

Furthermore, while speaking with journalists, Akeem Keshinro revealed that he can no longer sleep in his home again due to the different threats he has received for seeking justice over his brother’s death. He stated that he only stays in his house during the day but flees his home at night.

Also, Aslam Ibrahim, the youth leader in the community narrated that they were celebrating Easter at the palace when the incident happened. He made it known that they are after his life and can’t conduct his daily business freely over his involvement in seeking justice.

‘’We were celebrating Easter when the incident happened. We suddenly saw people with guns and we all ran from the palace. On the fateful day, Idowu passed by us on his way to the farm before we heard he was killed. They have been calling their family members and they have gone to the attorney general’s office to release them. I can’t work freely in the community because cultists have been all over me, I am begging the government to please help us.’’

Likewise, another victim of the suspects’ gruesome acts, Saula Lateef, an elderly man, narrated how he was beaten to a pulp by the miscreants who were confirmed to be Miyaki’s boys/

‘’I went to my site on Easter Day before deciding to go to the palace. On my way to the palace, I saw everywhere scattered and unfortunately for me, I walked into the midst of Miyaki’s boys who came to cause mayhem. I was held and beaten so much that till now, I am still unable to walk. It was a MOPO who was among them that asked them to leave me. It was few hours later that I was told that they killed Idowu Keshinro who was well known to us. Among those I saw was Mukaila, Hakeem Lawal, Jamiu Adeleja, Ahmed Tiamiyi, Ibrahim Ekemode, Walia Ojoge, Fowomeye, and others that are agents of Miyaki. We want to appeal to Governor Sanwoolu to ensure that justice is served because we are not safe here. They still have boys around and they are only waiting for those in prison to be released before they strike again.’’

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Update on Amen Estate Ownership: More of Babatunde Gbadamosi’s Lies Expose, all the dirty details

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Claims made by Lagos politician, Babatunde Gbadamosi over ownership of Amen Estate and it’s holding company has been debunked by inside sources.

An insider disclosed: “Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi is a vocal but a deceptive social media activist and politician whose writings and posts often attack the establishment. It is rather contemptuous that a person who consistently calls for justice for his political party is full of lies and fakery.

“Mr. Gbadamosi’s inability to let go of Redbrick Homes demonstrates how unhinged he has become.”

“While Redbrick Homes’ lawyers have issued a press release disclaiming Mr. Gbadamosi and his claim of ownership over Amen Estate, Phases 1 and 2, and Ashlead Homes, it is crucial to inform the public that Gbadamosi has resigned as a director and left the company, since July 2021, said the source”

Letter from the lawyers

“As stated by Redbrick Homes in 2022, Gbadamosi was never an active director. He was a passive participant who left the company of his own free will.

“At the time, Gbadamosi was married to Sade Balogun, the true owner of Redbrick Homes and Amen Estate. He made his choices and followed them.

Gbadamosi’s Resignation letter

According to the insider, “when Gbadamosi left, he signed a document in which some of his demands for spousal settlement were met. He asked for four cars and some money in dollars. He was paid the 1st instalment and given some acres of land in Epe. However, after receiving the initial deposit, Gbadamosi almost immediately greedily breached the terms of the agreement.”

“Perhaps Gbadamosi, who fancies himself an important politician, has forgotten that there are documents bearing his signature and evidence of his settlement.” She noted.

According to our source: “Ms. Balogun, then, Mrs Gbadamosi may be the only woman in Nigeria who has paid such a large spousal settlement just to protect her children, company, and clients from potential embarrassment, knowing what a character like Mr. Gbadamosi is capable of.”

“It might surprise you to know that Gbadamosi even discredited the companies on their own websites. How can someone discredit something he claims to own? It got to the point where he responded to his daughter’s comment on Amen Estate’s Google page with a scathing tone, saying nasty things about the estate he now claims as his. What kind of father does that, and how more devious and delusional can a person get?”

The public must be reminded that Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates belong to Ms. Folasade Balogun.

Anyone can verify this at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“Gbadamosi is a low-life impostor whose mischief and determination to bring down Redbrick Homes have become his life’s mission. However, he will not succeed because Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates are thriving and remain one of the leading and most credible property developers in Nigeria,” the insider source said.

Marriage certificate to new wife

Another company source questioned why Babatunde Gbadamosi “seems to have a dead conscience: This is a man who left his marriage only to impregnate and marry another woman. Did he really think he could destroy his marriage and also take possession of his wife’s properties? May God forgive him,” she said.

The source revealed that: “Gbadamosi was married to the said woman while still married to Sade. He cannot deny this because the marriage certificate is there for all to see. Infact, even me, I’ve seen the document. That man is very dubious , you know. He has the audacity to still be claiming Sade’s company assets as marital assets. Shouldn’t he be asking his current wife for upkeep or has she dumped him after discovering what a liar he is?” the source smirked.

Lawyers representing Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates, Babalakin & Co., have issued a press statement clarifying that Mr. Gbadamosi made false claims in every respect, as he had voluntarily relinquished his shareholding interests and resigned as a director in these companies since July 2021.

Babalakin & Co., representing Redbrick and Ms. Folasade Balogun, have refuted Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi’s social media claim that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 on Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, belong to him.

Sade Balogun: Chairman/CEO Redbrick Homes

Their statement reads:

“We are solicitors to Redbrick Homes International Limited (Redbrick), Amen City Ltd, Ashlead Estates Ltd (Ashlead), and Ms. Folasade Balogun (formerly Mrs. Folasade Gbadamosi). Our attention has been drawn to a social media post authored by Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi.

“In his post, Mr. Gbadamosi claims that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 of Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, are assets of Redbrick and Ashlead. He further states that these companies belong to him and Ms. Balogun. This information is entirely false, and we advise the public to ignore it.

“Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi voluntarily relinquished his entire shareholding interest in Redbrick and Ashlead and resigned as a director of these companies as far back as July 2021 under a notarized legal instrument. He has no interest whatsoever in these companies or any of their assets, including Amen Estate, Amen Estate Phase 2, TIARA, Emerald Bay, Emerald Park, and Amen City.

“His resignation and shareholding relinquishment have been duly filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission and are available for public verification. None of these assets are listed as ‘marital assets’ in the ongoing litigation between Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi and Ms. Sade Balogun.”

It is also worth recalling that on February 26, 2022, Redbrick Homes management published a notice in Punch to clarify to all investors and potential investors that Mr. Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi is no longer associated with Redbrick Homes International Ltd or its real estate projects.

“For clarity, Mr. Gbadamosi, a full-time politician, was once a passive partner and shareholder, without any financial investment, and one of the directors of Redbrick Homes International Ltd. He has since voluntarily transferred all his shares and resigned from its board as of July 1, 2021.

“The board composition, shareholding structure, and share capital of Redbrick Homes International Ltd have completely changed. Ms. Folasade Balogun remains the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position she has held since the company’s inception. Under her leadership, Redbrick Homes International Ltd continues to deliver quality service to its customers without interruption.

These facts can easily be verified at the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the public notice concluded.

Meanwhile customer said “Babatunde Gbadamosi keeps nagging us non stop privately via WhatsApp chats. This is a ridiculous invasion of privacy. At first, it was trying to get us to buy some land he claimed to own at Sangotedo. And now it’s to keep making ludicrous allegations against his ex-wife who has moved on. Why can’t he leave us alone? Why can’t he also move on and leave us out of all these? I thought he remarried and just had a new baby!” An exasperated staff exclaimed!

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