Judgment Delivered: Court Dismisses Fraud Case Against Zinox Boss

Fraud Case Against Zinox Technologies Chairman Dismissed Again

A fraud case filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife Chioma Ekeh, and 11 others has once again been dismissed by the court. Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court struck out the case, which was filed by senior counsel Femi Falana (SAN) on behalf of Benjamin Joseph, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited. The court ruled that the case was a “gross abuse of court process.”

The dismissed suit alleged that the defendants were involved in the fraudulent diversion of ₦162 million in relation to a laptop supply contract with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). However, Justice Ebong found no merit in the claims and stated that multiple courts and law enforcement agencies had previously reviewed the allegations without finding any wrongdoing on the part of the defendants.

The other defendants in the case included 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. Despite repeated legal proceedings, none of the law enforcement agencies investigating the case found any substantial evidence to support the allegations.

In his judgment dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong ruled: “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 discard it.” The judge also criticized the persistence of the case, stating that the plaintiff had turned it into a “campaign of persecution” despite multiple failed attempts to prove his claims.

Justice Ebong further highlighted that when the nominal complainant, Mr. Joseph, was given the opportunity to present evidence before Justice Danlami Z. Senchi in a previous hearing, he failed to appear in court. This absence, according to the judge, raised questions about the validity of the accusations and the complainant’s insistence on pursuing the matter.

Reacting to the ruling, defense counsel Chris Eze Ozims remarked, “This judgment aligns with previous court decisions, reaffirming that these allegations are baseless.” He emphasized that the ruling upholds justice and protects individuals from frivolous litigation.

Chief defense counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) described the verdict as a “victory for integrity and the rule of law.” He stated that the court’s decision serves as a strong message against the misuse of the judicial system for personal vendettas.

This latest dismissal marks another failed attempt to prosecute Leo Stan Ekeh and the other defendants on the same allegations. The case has now been struck out multiple times in different courts, reinforcing the judiciary’s position that there is no merit to the claims. With this judgment, legal experts believe the matter should finally be put to rest unless new and substantial evidence emerges.

The dismissal of the case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to preventing the abuse of legal processes and ensuring that justice is not manipulated for personal grievances. The ruling also serves as a precedent in discouraging unfounded lawsuits that could harm businesses and individuals’ reputations.