Falana’s fraud case against Zinox, others, thrown out

For the umpteenth time, the court has thrown out a case of fraud filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma Ekeh and 11 others.

The latest is the dismissal of the suit by Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court who struck out the case filed by Mr. Femi Falana SAN, purporting to act on a fiat donated to him by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, and 12 others.

The other defendants are Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited and Zinox Technologies Limited.
In the suit No. FCT/HC/CR/985/24 filed in November 2024, Falana on behalf of his client, Benjamin Joseph, the CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, an Ibadan-based computer firm, filed charges against Ekeh, 9 other individuals and 3 companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly diverting N162,247,513.80 being payment for laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters which Technology Distribution ltd (now TD Africa), the biggest tech equipment distributor in Sub Saharan Africa supplied on behalf of Citadel in 2012.

However, in the certified true copy of the judgment dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong ruled as follows: “It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”

Before arriving at his judgment which has put a final nail on the coffin of a case that other courts had dismissed in the past as dead on arrival, Justice Ebong had considered the outcome of previous cases and petitions filed by Mr. Joseph none of which was in his favour.
Justice Ebong said: “One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants. When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”

Previous judgments on the matter had established that rather than being the culprit, Ekeh and the 12 others were actually the victims of a failed money diversion scheme plotted by Mr. Joseph and Citadel.

When contacted, one of the defendants, Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, a lawyer, said: “This ruling truly reflects our consistent position on the allegations, and it is good that we have been vindicated, once more, by a competent high court.
He asserted that the judgment of Justice Ebong was consistent with the position of the defendants and in tandem with the ruling of other judges who had earlier adjudicated on the same matter in the past.

Chief counsel to the defendants, Mr. Matthew Burkaa SAN, described the judgment as victory for integrity and the rule of law.

Court papers showed that Falana’s suit was based on the same claims which various courts had in the past dismissed as falsehood and baseless. The case arose from a contract between Citadel and Technology Distributions Limited over the supply of computers to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a project fully funded by Technology Distributions and has no bearing whatsoever with Zinox and its promoter, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh.

It will be recalled that Mr. Joseph had lost the case and its adjunct suits at different courts in the past. In his petition to the police in 2013, it was discovered by police authorities that Mr. Joseph provided false information to the police, prompting the Inspector General of Police to charge him for false information in charge no.CR/216/16.
In another case filed by the EFCC at his instance against his partner, Princess Kama, in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018,  Honorable Justice Danlami Z. Senchi of the FCT High Court (as he then was), dismissed as false all the allegations made by Benjamin Joseph, and imposed the sum of N20 million as damages against him for false petitioning in relation to these same allegations.

Earlier court papers showed that Joseph had in his statement on oath in suit No:LD/4335/2014 in the High Court of Justice, Lagos State, dated 28 June, 2019 averred  that his company, Citadel, did not execute any contract with FIRS and that he was not aware that a contract was awarded to Citadel.
In his deposition under oath, Joseph claimed that Citadel “did not at any time execute any contract for the FIRS and neither did the 2nd defendant (Princess O. Kama) who is its agent in respect of the contract it bidded for with the FIRS deliver/release any documents to the Claimant (Citadel) indicating that the contract it bidded for or any other contract was awarded to it by the FIRS or any other body.”
However, a letter from the FIRS addressed to the chamber of Afe Babalola & Co dated 11 February 2014 (FIRS/PD/GDS/2559) and signed by one Idrissa Kogo, Head Legal Department, stated: “Contrary to your client’s claim that they knew nothing about the execution of the contract awarded to them and that they did not receive any payment for the execution of the contract, our record reveals otherwise.
“Your client instructed FIRS through a letter dated 13th December 2012 to deal with Princess O. Kama (Your client’s agent) in relation to the contract. Through three separate letters dated 20th December 2012, your client instructed FIRS to pay to the client’s account with Access Bank plc. Please note that FIRS acted in compliance with your client’s instruction and with due diligence,” the FIRS letter stated.
The FIRS letter was a response to inquiry by Afe Babalola Chamber, lawyers to Citadel Oracle Concept Ltd and its MD, Mr. Benjamin Joseph, at that time.
The current charges filed by Falana on the basis of a fiat from the Attorney General is the third in a row as Mr Joseph had earlier filed charge no.CR/469/2022, which was struck out by Honorable Justice C. O. Oba of the FCT High Court, by an order dated 8th November 2022.
Determined to push through his case, Mr Joseph  filed the same charges before Honorable Justice A. S. Adepoju of the FCT High Court, and the charges were, once  again, struck out by the Honorable Court on 19th March 2024, with Honorable Justice Adepoju holding that: “This matter was brought in dead, extinct and should be confined into the dustbin of history…I hold that the instant suit is an abuse of the process of court and it is hereby struck out accordingly.”

Pedalling Through Time: The 75-Year-Old Ice Cream Vendor Who Refuses to Quit

In the bustling heart of Lagos Island, where the streets never sleep, one man has quietly defied time, hardship, and the odds for over 57 years—armed with nothing but a bicycle, sheer determination, and an undying work ethic.

At 75 years old, Oladimeji Lawal, affectionately known as “Felele” or “Pandy Joe,” still pedals through the ever-chaotic roads of Lagos, selling ice cream to generations of schoolchildren and residents. While many of his peers have long retired, he continues to ride, not out of passion alone, but because he has no pension, no retirement plan, and no financial safety net.

From a Young Cycle Boy to a Lagos Island Legend

Born in Ibadan in 1950, Lawal’s life took an unexpected turn in 1968 when he was hired as a cycle boy for an ice cream business. His exceptional riding skills landed him the job, but it was a tragic accident in Ibadan that altered his course. Encouraged by customers, he moved to Lagos in 1969, hoping for better fortune.

The move paid off—for a time. Business was booming, and in the golden years of ice cream vending, he earned enough to rent an apartment in Maroko and even buy land—a crucial step toward securing his future.

But fate had other plans.

In 1990, his dreams crumbled overnight when the military government of Raji Rasaki demolished the entire Maroko community, rendering thousands homeless—including Lawal. His hard-earned land was gone, and with it, his hopes for a comfortable future.

A Lifetime of Pedalling, No End in Sight

As ice cream sales declined in the late 1980s, reality hit hard—Lawal had no retirement benefits, no savings, and no way out. By the time he realized this, he was already in his 50s, too late to start over. The bicycle became both his burden and his lifeline.

While some of his former customers became successful, he remained on the streets, witnessing the city evolve around him. Some of these prominent figures even bought him a new bicycle when his old one gave out, but Lawal never once resorted to begging.

“The only benefit we get from the company is a raincoat every ten years,” he lamented. “They used to repair our bicycles, but not anymore.”

Dreams of a Shop, A Hope for Rest

Now at 75, age has caught up with him. He takes more breaks, his body weary from decades of pedalling. But he still dreams—not of wealth, but of a small shop where he can store ice cream and soft drinks, so he doesn’t have to roam the streets all day.

“If I don’t ride my bicycle for a day, I feel weak. My body is already used to it.”

A Man of Honor, A Life of Sacrifice

Despite the struggles, Lawal refuses to be a burden to his children, insisting they focus on their own lives. He has outlived his wife, lost everything he worked for, yet still wakes up every morning at 8 a.m., mounts his bicycle at 9 a.m., and pedals until sundown.

And while others chase riches, Lawal holds onto something far more profound: his name, his dignity, and his unbreakable spirit.

“At least, I am not begging for alms,” he says with quiet pride. “For that, I give thanks to God.”

A Cry for Help or A Story of Resilience?

Pa Lawal’s story is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. It is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the brutal reality of life without financial security. The question remains: Will society step in to help this Lagos icon finally rest, or will he pedal until the very end?

Odyssey Media House Launches with Vibrant Event in Bradford, Promising to Ignite Creative Potential and Enrich Arts and Culture

Bradford, UK  – Odyssey Media House CIC officially launched on February 22nd at The Event Place, marking the beginning of a dynamic creative organisation dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting diverse voices, and enriching the arts and culture landscape within the Bradford community and beyond. The launch event was a resounding success, attracting artists, cultural leaders, and community members from across the creative industries and the local community.

Odyssey Media House, a Community Interest Company, aims to support the production of quality films, events, and music that inspire, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the region. The launch event showcased the brand’s striking blue and copper colour scheme and introduced its leadership team: Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa (Executive Director), Marvellous Godson (Creative Director), Abayomi Adebisi (Productions Director), and Gbola Jesu (Marketing and PR Director).
“Today marks more than the launch of a company; we ignite a belief. A belief born from a simple truth: ‘It Can Be,'” stated Executive Director, Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, in his opening speech. “Odyssey Media is built on this very principle. We see the untapped potential of diverse voices, creatives, and underrepresented groups, brimming with artistic ideas waiting to be unleashed. We are here to say ‘It Can Be’ to their artistic dreams. With Odyssey Media House, ‘It Can Be’ inspiring, ‘It Can Be’ creative, and ‘It Can Be’ a truly memorable contribution to arts and culture.”

Marketing and PR Director, GbolaJesu Amusa, shared the vision and mission of Odyssey, bringing guests closer to the driving force of Odyssey Media House. “As active members of the creative and cultural community, Odyssey Media House is committed to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new storytelling methods. The organization will collaborate with talented artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds to showcase unique artistic visions and produce thought-provoking content that resonates culturally.”

The event also featured the unveiling of Odyssey Media House’s signature projects in film, events, and music, expertly shot by Production Director, Abayomi Adebisi and directed by Marvellous Godson, creative director of Odyssey Media House. In presenting the new projects, the Creative Director emphasized these pilot projects as demonstrating the organization’s commitment to serving the creative community and extending the reach of arts and culture activities to underserved communities and supporting voices within that space that need room for expression. The audience was thrilled by testimonials from first artist, O’Phils, and the Executive Director of OAK Initiative UK CIC, who shared positive recommendations from previous collaborations with the team.

The launch then flowed into a lively drinks reception and networking session, carefully curated by Odyssey Media House to kickstart our promise of supporting diverse voices by creating meaningful connections. The room buzzed with creatives from film, events, and music, sharing their visions and sparking new ideas. This launch and networking event is just the beginning of many opportunities we will create for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and bring their creative dreams to life.

Odyssey Media House is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for artists and audiences through culturally focused events, workshops, and networking opportunities. The organization’s mission is to deliver exceptional and memorable creative experiences that delight, inspire, and enrich the cultural landscape, creating a lasting impact on the cultural and economic vitality of the UK by supporting diverse artistic voices, promoting innovation in the arts, and providing opportunities for emerging talent in the cultural sector.

About Odyssey Media House CIC:
Odyssey Media House CIC is a dynamic creative organization based in Bradford, UK, dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting diverse artistic voices, and delivering exceptional creative experiences that enrich arts and culture. The organization supports production quality films, events, and music, collaborating with talented artists and creatives to showcase their unique artistic visions.
Contact:
GbolaJesu Amusa
Marketing and PR Director
Odyssey Media House CIC
Email: theodysseymediahouse@gmail.com
Linkedin: Odyssey Media House: Overview | LinkedIn
Website: www.theodysseymediahouse.com
Phone Number: 07599646868