ABUJA: A major fraud case involving Zinox Technologies Chairman, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, and 11 others has been stalled once again after Nigeria’s Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu revoked the legal authority granted to renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, to prosecute the matter.
The trial, centered on an alleged ₦170.3 million contract scam linked to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was initially greenlit for prosecution by former Attorney General Abubakar Malami in 2022.
This fiat was later reinstated by the current AGF, Lateef Fagbemi SAN. However, it was again revoked by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), a move that has raised concerns about political interference in Nigeria’s judicial process.
A credible source revealed to Reporters that the recurring revocation of the fiat is part of efforts by influential figures to obstruct justice. The accused were alleged to have forged documents from Citadal computers Concepts Limited to unlawfully secure the sum from FIRS. The complainant in the matter is Citadel Oracle’s Managing Director, Mr. Benjamin Joseph.
There’s a false perception that this case is over. But it’s not. They are doing everything to derail it, said the source. The insider also criticized former AGF Malami for what they described as a betrayal of justice, saying, His reversal on prosecution was shameful and shows how justice is compromised in Nigeria.
When the Tinubu-led administration came into power and AGF Fagbemi was appointed, there was renewed optimism for the case.
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The source explained, The new AGF reassessed the case file, found credible evidence of crime, and reaffirmed the fiat. Yet again, DPP M.B. Abubakar reversed it without clear justification.
A revocation letter, dated May 2, 2025, obtained, was addressed to Falana & Falana Chambers. It reads:
I am directed… to inform you that the Honorable Attorney General… has withdrawn the fiat earlier granted to you dated 20th December 2023 to prosecute the case… FRN V. Chris Ezeh Ozim & 6 ORS, CHARGE NO: CR/827/2013.
The letter further directed the withdrawal of Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/985/2024 (FRN v. Leo Stan & 12 Others), citing interest of justice without elaborating further.
Some of the defendants, according to sources, are now trying to delay a related civil suit before a Lagos court.
Two individuals, Chief Onny Igbokwe and Princess Kama, reportedly filed for a stay of proceedings, arguing that a previous judgment entitles them to N20 million, which has since been appealed with a stay of execution in place.
The judge ruled that Mr. Joseph, as an individual, is distinct from his company, Citadel Oracle and that the past judgment can’t delay this civil case, the source said. Nevertheless, the defendants have filed an appeal and are now seeking a further stay.
This case, which has lingered for over 10 years, is now considered by many observers as a major test of the Tinubu government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and rule of law.
In a December 25, 2024 report, revealed that AGF Fagbemi had authorized Falana SAN to prosecute Ekeh and others in the ₦170 million fraud scandal. The official fiat, dated December 20, 2023, emphasized the prosecution would be done at the request and expense of Mr. Benjamin Joseph, the nominal complainant.
In his memo titled Authorisation Under Section 174 Of the Constitution, AGF Fagbemi empowered Falana to prosecute Charge No. CR/827/2013 (FRN v. Chris Eze Ozim & Others) on behalf of the Federal Government and provide regular updates to the Ministry of Justice.
The criminal case accuses Leo Stan Ekeh, Chioma Ekeh, and several others of misappropriating ₦162,247,513.80 meant for a laptop supply contract awarded by FIRS.
The funds were allegedly diverted through Access Bank account number 0059202675 in the name of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.
The list of defendants includes prominent names such as Chris Eze Ozims, Folashade Oyebode, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, and Nnenna Kalu.
Also named are companies: Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Limited.
Filed under Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/985/24, the case was formally entered at the Abuja High Court on November 28, 2024, with the 15-count charge signed by Falana SAN.
One of the charges reads: That you Chris Eze Ozims, Folashade Oyebode, Leo Stan Ekeh, Chioma Ekeh, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Nnenna Kalu, Femi Dosumu, Technology Distributions, Admas Digital Technologies Limited and Zinox Technologies Limited on or about January 30, 2013, in Abuja, criminally misappropriated the sum of ₦162,247,513.80 from FIRS meant for laptop supply.
The funds, lodged in Access Bank account 0059202675, were diverted and received fraudulently in the name of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.
This act violates Section 79 and is punishable under Section 390 of the Penal Code Cap 532LFN Abuja (1990).
Legal analysts believe the consistent obstruction of the case underscores a troubling trend of political meddling in high-profile corruption cases.
The Tinubu administration, which campaigned on restoring law and order, is now being scrutinized for backpedaling on justice commitments.
The complainant, Mr. Joseph has reportedly endured years of harassment, false allegations, and court delays, which sources describe as attempts to wear him down or force withdrawal.
With Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage increasingly tied to how it handles corruption, the Zinox fraud saga offers a critical benchmark.
Falana’s removal raises red flags about whether politically exposed persons can ever be held to account in the country.
As it stands, both criminal and civil components of the case are entangled in fresh appeals, counter motions, and jurisdictional hurdles, even as public trust in the justice system hangs in the balance.
