Crime
FG to prosecute Zinox boss, Ekeh, wife over alleged N170.3m fraud
FG to prosecute Zinox boss, Leo Stan Ekeh, wife over alleged N170.3m fraud
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.
Sowole Community in Ogun State has been thrown into fear and chaos following a violent invasion by suspected landgrabbers who allegedly destroyed properties, attacked residents, and left at least one person dead.
Speaking with journalists, the Baale of Sowole town, Chief Sunday Sowole, 52, recounted the ongoing ordeal, revealing that the community has been under threat for over two years and four months.
According to him, the attackers — who are not members of the community and do not share boundaries with Sowole — first stormed the area months ago, destroyed his seven-bedroom palace, and even carted away roofing sheets and other valuables.
Chief Sowole said the community reported the matter to the Commander of SWAT in Magbon, CSP Salami Akanni Murphy, but no arrests were made during the initial police intervention.
He noted that they were invited repeatedly
“We wrote to the CSP in Magbon SWAT, Salami Akanni Murphy, and when the police came, we were not able to arrest anyone,” he said.
He explained that both parties were later summoned for a meeting by CSP Murphy, who reportedly stated that there was no legal backing to prosecute the attackers and advised the residents to return to their town despite the threats.
The parties involved were also asked to bring documents to back up their claims to the landed properties in the community but the perpetrators didn’t show up afterwards.
Earlier this week, police officers escorted Chief Sowole and some residents back to the community, during which two suspects were arrested and taken to CSP Murphy for interrogation.
However, the situation escalated again on Saturday when the armed men allegedly returned to Sowole, shooting sporadically and attacking residents with machetes.
“About eight people were shot, and one of our brothers, Hakeem Bello, was macheted to death,” the Baale lamented.
“All the instruments in our churches were taken away, and we know those involved.”
Chief Sowole expressed concern over alleged boasts by the perpetrators that they had “bought” CSP Murphy and other officers, claiming they would face no consequences for their actions.
He added that despite reporting the renewed attacks to SWAT officers in Idi-Agbon, no concrete action has been taken.
“We don’t have any dealings with these people. They just came up from Iyana Ilogbo and claimed they own our town without any documents or proof. We have our documents, but they have never presented any.”
The community is calling on the Ogun State Government, the Police High Command, and relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace to Sowole.
A civic advocacy organisation, Zamfara Accountability and Development Coalition (ZADC), has accused top officials in the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal of hijacking and diverting funds meant for local government development across the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by its president, Salisu Bako Maradun, the group said the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner for Finance, the Accountant-General, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs have allegedly formed a “self-serving alliance” that controls and misappropriates local council allocations.
“These individuals have captured the financial architecture of Zamfara’s 14 local governments. Their actions amount to economic sabotage and a betrayal of public trust,” the statement read.
ZADC said the funds sent to local governments from the Federation Account are routinely withheld and mismanaged at the state level, leaving the local councils unable to deliver basic services or execute projects that could ease the suffering of residents.
“Local governments in Zamfara have become ceremonial offices. The real work of looting is done in Gusau. Month after month, huge allocations arrive, but they disappear before they reach the grassroots,” the group said.
According to the group, this alleged financial malpractice is responsible for the worsening state of infrastructure and public services in rural areas of Zamfara, where insecurity, poverty, and neglect continue to define daily life.
“Health centres have no medicines, schools are empty shells, and rural roads are death traps. Yet the officials at the top are living in obscene luxury,” ZADC said.
The group also accused Governor Lawal of enabling the rot through silence and inaction, despite widespread reports of mismanagement under his watch.
“Governor Lawal cannot continue to look the other way while Zamfara’s commonwealth is stolen in broad daylight. His failure to act has emboldened those bleeding the state dry,” the group stated.
They also describe the state’s Joint Allocation Committee (JAC) as compromised and opaque, claiming that local government chairmen are kept in the dark about the actual figures shared each month.
“The JAC process has become a monthly ritual of secrecy. Funds are shared without documentation, accountability, or transparency. What we have is a complete breakdown of fiscal responsibility,” the group lamented.
ZADC claimed that over the past six months, the state has received billions of naira in local government allocations, yet there has been “zero reflection” of that money in any council area.
“Communities in Talata Mafara, Maru, Bukkuyum, and Tsafe have not seen any government project in over a year. The same can be said for Gummi, Kaura-Namoda, and Bakura. This is not just neglect. It is organised looting,” it said.
The group, therefore, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full investigation into the finances of Zamfara’s local government ministry and arrest those found culpable.
“We are calling on the EFCC to intervene without delay. This is not the time for subtlety. The commissioner for local government, commissioner for finance, accountant-general, and the permanent secretary must be arrested and charged with corruption,” the statement added.
ZADC noted that the people of Zamfara have suffered enough and can no longer afford to have their future traded by those in power.
“This is a state battling chronic insecurity, mass unemployment, and underdevelopment. Yet those in charge of local government finances are behaving like warlords in a conquered territory,” the group said.
It concluded by demanding that all stolen funds be recovered and channelled back to community projects to give Zamfara’s grassroots a fighting chance.
“We want every kobo accounted for. Zamfara belongs to its people, not a few godfathers and greedy bureaucrats. This impunity must stop now,” the group declared.
Crime
“My Children And I Are Not Safe If You Release Mukaila Salau Actor” – Idowu Keshinro’s Widow Begs Lagos Attorney General
The widow of Idowu Keshinro, a staffer of Ikosi-Ejirin local government who was killed in April 2024 has cried out to the Attorney General of Lagos, Mr. Lawal Pedro, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu over rumours that those arrested in connection to the death of her husband, especially Mukaila Salau Actor will be soon be released unconditionally.
The Widow, Funke Keshinro, in an interview made it known that one of the suspects, Abubakar Sulaimon Miyaki, who has been released, has been boasting of his connection with the attorney general, making it known that the other suspect arrested will soon be released.
She made it known that if they are released as rumoured, the lives of her and the children of the deceased are not safe because the suspects are ready to cause more mayhem for them.
She revealed that rumours have it that the Attorney general of Lagos state has collected the case file for a review of the case and this has stalled sitting on the matter in court. She urged those in power to intervene in the matter to ensure justice prevails.
“Abubakar Sulaiman Miyaki has been saying he has settled attorney general and that they will release those that have been arrested in connection with the death of Idowu Keshinro, my late husband who was shot multiple times and died on April 4 2024. If they are released, my three children and I are not safe because we won’t be able to go anywhere.
“Anyone that is killed is meant to be killed but when criminals are released, they will continue doing what they have done. I want to please urge Governor Sanwoolu to intervene in this matter, I am begging those in power to please help in this matter.
“I learnt the Attorney General has collected the case file for a review and because of that, they are yet to sit on the matter in court. I don’t know what to do other than begging those that can intervene to please help my family.”
Meanwhile, a petition has been written to the Attorney General and Governor Babajide Sanwoolu about the rumoured proposed release of Mukaila Salau Actor and other suspect who had been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police for criminal offences.
“Further to our brief, the aforesaid persons are notorious criminals having criminal cases hanging on their neck as a golden chain. As a result of the criminal activities perpetrated by MUKAILA OLALEKAN SALAU (A.K.A ACTOR), he was declared WANTED by the Nigeria Police for the offences of Criminal Conspiracy, Murder and unlawful possession of fire arms in Moro Village, Ikorodu, Lagos State sometimes in 2017. MUKAILA SALAU (A.K.A ACTOR) and the aforesaid persons have become conkerworms in the lives of the inhabitants of Isiu, Ota-Ikosi Via Agbowa, Ikorodu, Lagos. The said persons are notorious cult members leaders committed crime with impunity at will without any regards to the rule of law. It is painful to stress here that, the said persons perpetrated heinous crime at different times, got arrested but later released without any justification, hence the boast of the aforesald persons that they are well connected and as a result could escape justice even where murder is committed lIke in the instance of our jants thereof. The photocopy of the police special bulletin where MUKAILA OLALEKAN SALAU (AKA A ACTOR) was declared WANTED and photographs of the said person and one of his syndicate are hereby annexed for ease of reference”
It was also noted that Abubakar Sulaimon has also been allegedly committing heinous crimes since his release. The Attorney General was also fingered in the petition as the official that initiated the release of the suspect.
“That upon the preceding paragraph, the Attorney General of Lagos State in a very strange twist of event ordered for a review of the said Legal Advice by the Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos and thereupon set free, and terminated the court proceeding against Abubakar Sulaimon Mayaki for the said murder of the said IDOWU KESHINRO to the total shock of all and sundry.”
“Further to our brief, the aforesaid persons are notorious criminals having criminal cases hanging on their neck as a golden chain. As a result of the criminal activities perpetrated by MUKAILA OLALEKAN SALAU (A.K.A ACTOR), he was declared WANTED by the Nigeria Police for the offences of Criminal Conspiracy, Murder and unlawful possession of fire arms in Moro Village, Ikorodu, Lagos State sometimes in 2017. MUKAILA SALAU (A.K.A ACTOR) and the aforesaid persons have become conkerworms in the lives of the inhabitants of Isiu, Ota-Ikosi Via Agbowa, Ikorodu, Lagos. The said persons are notorious cult members leaders committed crime with impunity at will without any regards to the rule of law. It is painful to stress here that, the said persons perpetrated heinous crime at different times, got arrested but later released without any justification, hence the boast of the aforesaid persons that they are well connected and as a result could escape justice even where murder is committed lIke in the instance of our jants thereof. The photocopy of the police special bulletin where MUKATLA¿LALEKAN SALAU (AKA A ACTOR) was declared WANTED and photographs of the said person and one of his syndicate are hereby annexed for ease of reference”
The petition also noted that Abubakar Suleimon has been boasting of his connection with powerful politicians, making it known that he will ensure others in custody are released.
“We have the brief of our clients that ABUBAKAH SULEIMON MIYAKI and others continue to boast that MUKAILA SALAU (AKA ACTOR) would be released unconditionally as they clairned to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have sufficient money to access the said office so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release MUKAILA SALAU (A.K A ACTOR) and others in the above mentioned charge.”
It would be recalled that the deceased, Idowu Keshinro, before he died mentioned names of people he identified as his killers. Among them was Abubakar Suleimon Miyaki, Mukaila Salau ACTOR, and several others at large.
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