Nigeria’s AGF Fagbemi Authorizes Fraud Charges Against Zinox Group CEO, Stan Ekeh, And Others, Overruling Malami’s Previous Intervention
In a significant development, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has authorized renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) to file fraud charges against Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, his wife Chioma Ekeh, and several others. This authorization reverses the actions of former AGF Abubakar Malami (SAN), who had shielded the accused from prosecution for years, hindering investigations and delaying justice.
The charges, filed on behalf of the Federal Government, accuse the defendants of diverting ₦162,247,513.80 intended for a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) laptop supply contract. According to documents obtained by Sahara Reporters, the funds were misappropriated under the guise of payment to Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.
In a memo dated December 20, 2023, titled “Authorization Under Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 As Amended,” AGF Fagbemi granted Falana the authority to refile and prosecute the charges effectively. The AGF emphasized the importance of diligent prosecution and consistent updates on the case’s progress.
The 15-count charge, filed under case number FCT/HC/CR/985/24, was presented to the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 28, 2024. Among the accused are Leo Stan Ekeh, Chioma Ekeh, Chris Eze Ozims, Folashade Oyebode, and several others, including three companies: Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Ltd.
The charges include conspiracy, criminal misappropriation, and money laundering, alleging that the defendants knowingly received and laundered proceeds from the contract through a fraudulent account at Access Bank Plc.
The case stems from a petition filed in 2013 by Joseph Benjamin, Managing Director of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, alleging that his company’s FIRS contract was hijacked and executed fraudulently. Benjamin accused top officials of Zinox Group, its subsidiary Technology Distributions Limited, and their collaborators of forging documents, opening a fake account in his company’s name, and diverting funds.
Despite evidence, former AGF Malami had intervened to terminate earlier prosecutions, citing constitutional powers. His actions, including withdrawing Falana’s authorization to prosecute in 2022, effectively shielded the accused until Fagbemi’s recent reversal.
The new charges have reignited public interest in the case, with many commending AGF Fagbemi for ensuring accountability. The Modupe Owonikoko Foundation, which had previously taken an interest in related cases, welcomed the move as a step toward justice.
The Federal High Court is expected to set a date for arraignment, while the Federal Ministry of Justice monitors the prosecution’s progress. Legal experts anticipate that the case will serve as a precedent for prosecuting high-profile corporate fraud in Nigeria.
AGF Fagbemi’s decision to authorize fraud charges against Leo Stan Ekeh and others marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, demonstrating the government’s commitment to holding even influential figures accountable.
