A fraud investigation brought against Leo Stan Ekeh, the chairman of Zinox Technologies, his wife Chioma Ekeh, and 11 others was dismissed by the Federal Capital Territory Abuja’s Bwara Division.
The lawsuit in Suit No. CR/985/2024 “constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable for dismissal,” according to Justice Akpan Okon Ebong. I subsequently cite its dismissal.
Femi Falana (SAN), the attorney general and justice minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed the lawsuit against Zinox Technologies and 12 others in November 2024.
Chris Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Limited are the other defendants in the case.
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However, Falana’s client, Benjamin, the CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, an Ibadan-based computer company, filed charges against Ekeh, nine other individuals, and three companies in the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly defrauding them of N162, 247, 513.80, which were part of a contract for laptop supplies from Citadel in 2012, in the Suit No CR/985/2024 that Technology Distribution Ltd (now TD Africa) on behalf of his
Falana’s expansion of the defendants from seven to thirteen was criticized by the judge. Justice Akpan Ebong stated in his ruling on March 20, 2025, that “the mere fact that a lawyer has been given a fiat by the HAGF (Fagbemi) will not turn him into a Knight Errant, like Don Quixote, going everywhere looking for suspected criminals to prosecute,” as stated in the certified true copy.
The judge ruled that Falana had the authority to “refile and prosecute the case” under the fiat, but that that power does not apply to amendments, additions, or substitutions.
“The Charge No. The judge continued, “CR/827/2013, which he was asked to handle, lists only seven defendants, while the instant charge that he filed contains 13 defendants, almost twice the number of defendants he was authorized to prosecute,” added the judge.
Based on the information provided, I believe that this charge (No. The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS, filed under FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, constitutes a flagrant abuse of court procedure and is liable for dismissal. I subsequently cite its dismissal.
Justice Ebong also pointed out that none of the law enforcement organizations investigating the nominal complainant’s numerous petitions have found any merit in his claims against the defendants.
Source: Channels TV
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