Zinox Alleges FIRS Document Exposes False Claims In Longstanding Fraud Allegations

According to Zinox spokesperson Chimezie Orisakwe, the FIRS letter suggests that Joseph misrepresented his knowledge of a contract executed by his company for the FIRS.

The recent development follows a new fraud case filed in November 2024 against Ekeh before Justice A.O. Ebong of the FCT High Court. Orisakwe referenced a FIRS letter dated February 11, 2014, which allegedly contradicted Joseph’s claims of ignorance about the contract. The letter, signed by Idrissa Kogo, Head of the 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.”

Orisakwe highlighted that the current charges represent the third case brought against Zinox, the previous two being dismissed. In November 2022, Justice C.O. Oba of the FCT High Court struck out a similar case (CR/469/2022).

The Zinox spokesman emphasized that no investigative agency, including the EFCC and police, has implicated Zinox or its Chairman in any wrongdoing. He accused Falana of including Ekeh and others in the new charges to tarnish their reputations.

The FCT High Court has adjourned the case to March 3, 2025, to address preliminary objections raised by Zinox and its affiliate, Technology Distributions. The objections challenge the court’s jurisdiction and the validity of Falana’s fiat from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Zinox Technologies and its Chairman had been previously cleared by an Abuja High Court in a related N170 million FIRS contract dispute. The court also acquitted individuals linked to the contract and awarded N20 million in damages against Benjamin Joseph for filing frivolous petitions.

Orisakwe reiterated Zinox’s innocence and criticized the ongoing legal proceedings as baseless attempts to damage its reputation and business interests.