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EFCC Clears TD Staff, Zinox of N170m Contract Scam Allegation
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), just like the Nigerian Police, has cleared Zinox Technologies Ltd., Zinox Telecoms as well as Technology Distributions Ltd. (TD) and its staff of any infraction based on a series of petitions written by Benjamin Joseph, the owner of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, a company based in Ibadan, claiming that his authorized agent, Princess Kama had connived with staff of TD, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest ICT distribution company, to use his company Citadel without his knowledge to secure a contract for the supply of HP laptops from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Absolved of any wrongdoing by both the Police and the EFCC are Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Zinox Group and TD, Chris Eze Ozims; Managing Director, Operations, Mrs. Shade Oyebode and Head of Finance, Mr. Charles Adigwe, both of TD., thereby vindicating the long-held position of the company on the innocence of its staff in the series of media campaign waged by Mr. Joseph through Premium Times, an online news medium.
The issue arose from a business transaction between Citadel Oracle Concept Limited (Mr. Joseph’s company) and their appointed staff/representatives, (Princess Kama and Chief Igbokwe), when they won a contract for the supply of HP laptops to the FIRS in 2013.
Having no funds to execute the contract, his appointed staff/agents approached TD, an authorized HP distributor to supply them the laptops on credit pending payment by the FIRS.
In view of previous bad experience and in order to avoid exposing the business to bad loans, TD had insisted that its staff, Mr. Ozims and Mrs. Oyebode, would have to be signatories to an account opened by Citadel Oracle Concept Ltd. for the purpose of disbursement of funds as regards the contract and as security for the laptops supplied on credit.
Immediately the contract was executed and payment effected by the FIRS, TD had deducted the pre-agreed invoice sum of the laptops and had its staff resign as signatories to the said account – a similar procedure applied to other customers who had similar contract with FIRS for the supply of similar HP laptops at the time
According to Mr. Joseph, while payment was made using his company, no laptops were delivered to the FIRS.
However, it has emerged that a disagreement arose when he was trying to share the profit earned from the transaction with Princess Kama, which involved the intervention of legal luminary, Afe Balalola SAN.
However, when Mr. Joseph could not reach an amicable settlement with Princess Kama, he changed the narrative – claiming that he had no knowledge of the transaction.
He first petitioned EFCC Lagos in 2013, who investigated and found out that the systems were fully delivered, deployed and signed for by top Management staff of FIRS.
The EFCC also confirmed that Mr. Joseph was aware of the contract as he personally submitted a signed letter of authority along with a copy of his international passport and other corporate documents of his company, authorizing Princess Kama to act on his behalf.
The letter signed by Mr. Joseph also accepted the contracts from FIRS on behalf of Citadel, thus rendering his subsequent denial of any knowledge of the contract suspicious.
Disregarding the investigations at the EFCC Lagos based on his petition, Mr. Joseph, again, petitioned the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigerian Police (SFU), Milverton Road, Ikoyi, in 2013, against Princess Kama and her uncle, Chief Igbokwe, and added TD, the company that supplied the computers to them on credit.
Mr. Joseph claimed that his company was used without his knowledge and that the account opened by his company in Access bank was not to his knowledge and that, his signature was forged on a board resolution and the letter of authority to Princess Kama.
However, after full investigation by the Police Special Fraud Unit, they confirmed that all computers with listed serial numbers were duly supplied and paid for by the FIRS.
The Police also subjected the documents bearing Mr. Joseph’s signature to forensic analysis and confirmed that the signature was actually his.
Mr. Joseph ignored the report of the investigation by the Police SFU and went ahead to petition the Nigerian Police (Force CID) Headquarters, Abuja, in 2014, without disclosing previous petitions and investigations on the same matter.
The-then Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase instructed a detailed investigation, and only for his team of investigators to discover that there had been several country-wide investigations on this matter.
The investigations by the Force Headquarters also came to the same conclusion as the SFU Report. It was this deceit that informed the Police to commence criminal proceedings against Mr. Joseph for false and misleading information and waste of Police resources and time, in Charge No. CR/216/16 (IGP vs. Benjamin Joseph), at the FCT High Court, Abuja.
In what may appear to be calculated efforts to subvert the course of justice, Mr. Joseph had then resorted to several petitions to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) which led to a review of the case file.
On February 10th 2017, a letter (Ref: DPPA/PET/397/16) from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved that the Police should continue with the prosecution of Mr. Joseph
A few months after the inauguration of the current administration, Mr. Joseph again petitioned the Office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on the same facts, insinuating that his company was used to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of over N200m in that no computers were supplied to the FIRS even though payment was made. The VP duly instructed the EFCC Chairman to investigate and report back.
The EFCC launched a nationwide investigation and confirmed all systems were supplied.
The report, in the main, noted that the Federal Government was not defrauded in any way.
In their report, they exonerated Technology Distributions Ltd. from any fraud, as the money received by the company was the actual invoice value of the computers supplied to Mr. Joseph’s company, Citadel, on credit, through his appointed agents.
The investigations and report also exonerated the staff of Technology Distributions Limited, including Mr. Ozims, the company secretary, Mrs. Oyebode, the-then Executive Director and Mr. Adigwe from any fraud.
The said staff of TD were listed as prosecution witnesses in the criminal case filed by the Police against Mr. Joseph, with Mr. Ozims having already testified as a witness for the Prosecution. This is a vindication of the innocence of the staff of TD.
It was also noted that Zinox Technologies Limited and its Chairman had no involvement, whatsoever, with the transaction, following which the Office of the DPP again directed the Police to continue with Joseph’s prosecution through another letter (Ref: DPPA/ADV:1009/14) dated 7th May 2018 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police.
Princess Kama, Mr. Joseph’s appointed representative, had further admitted in all her statements and testimonies on oath in court that she submitted the board resolution used in opening the account at Access Bank Abuja, together with Mr. Benjamin Joseph and not in company of any staff of TD.
She further wondered why Mr. Joseph has been dragging the names of TD and Zinox and their staff into the issue, when these are innocent people who graciously supplied the laptops to them on credit, which was delivered to FIRS.
Mr. Joseph had subsequently intensified a media campaign which saw the names of the Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh repeatedly included in a series of publications by Premium Times, which incidentally remained the only medium out of over 30 media houses that investigated the case and continued to publish Mr. Joseph’s claims, without recourse to verifying from the EFCC and the Police despite having access to these authorities, further fuelling suspicions of an attempt at arm-twisting or blackmailing the company to cave into pressure from Mr. Joseph.
The series of allegedly defamatory publications saw the medium slammed with a N2billion defamation suit by Zinox. Joined in the suit FCT/HC/CV/1680/2017 filed by the law chambers of Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN) are Premium Times Services Limited; the medium’s Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, Dapo Olorunyomi; Managing Editor, Musikilu Mojeed and Bassey Udo, a reporter/Head, Business and Economy Desk who authored the publications.
Gideon Ayogu – Head of Corporate Communications at Zinox held that Mr. Joseph and his collaborators knew the truth from the beginning but erroneously assumed that embarking on a media trial or blackmail will make Zinox succumb to the unfounded demands of Mr. Joseph.
“Premium Times keeps publishing that a prima facie criminal case was made by the Police and the EFCC in their reports against the staff of TD and Zinox. We have challenged them severally to publish any evidence of these allegations or reports. Till date, they failed to produce any such evidence, but keep publishing spurious stories handed down to them by Mr. Joseph.
“We, however, made it clear to them in a widely-read advertorial that this is against our corporate culture and requested them to publish proof of any infraction by the company or its staff. Again, they are yet to do this more than one year after. It is unfortunate because neither Zinox nor TD is desperate for cash for it to cheat any individual or company, as the case may be. I can confirm, and you can check with bankers in Nigeria, that this is one Group, which in her 32 years of existence is not indebted to any bank. It is a structured organization run strictly on the integrity of the investors,” he concluded.
Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned the $150 million dollars suit filed by Chianugo Peter, a Nigerian, against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC over shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name until April 22 for hearing.
The case, which was before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, could not proceed due to the absence of the judge in today’s proceedings.
Although Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Peter’s lawyer, and Mark Mordi, who is counsel to Google LLC, were in court, Justice Egwuatu was said to be in another official assignment.
The matter was consequently fixed for April 22 for hearing.
Peter had filed the suit over allegations bordering on the shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts in breach of the contract.
Peter, through his lawyer, named GoDaddy.Com LLC and Google LLC as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit filed on April 14, 2023 and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023.
In his earlier originating summons filed by Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, the Nigerian sought a $150 million in compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC for the alleged cyberspace contract breach.
The plaintiff alleged that the defendants shut down his domain and business name: YouTubeAudio.com and transferred the rights over the name to Google LLC, an American multinational technology company.
Google LLC, in its initial statement of defence dated Nov. 9, 2023, and filed Nov. 10, 2023, by its lawyer, Mr Mordi, SAN, of the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, urged the court to dismiss Peter’s suit as being unmeritorious and lacking in merits.
Justice Egwuatu had, in April 2024, gave Chianugo Peter the go-ahead to amend his originating processes after his lawyer moved the application for same and it was not opposed by the defence counsel.
In his amended statement of claim dated April 29, 2024, Peter sought ten reliefs.
He sought a declaration that GoDaddy.com was wrong to shut down the YouTubeAudio.com domain name on Dec. 7, 2022 and that Google was wrong to remove “YTAudio” with its website youtubeaudio.com from its Google PlayStore on Dec. 25, 2023 without adequate compensation to him.
He said this is notwithstanding that YouTubeAudio.com domain and business name is different and distinct from YouTube trademarks.
Chianugo Peter wants the court to declare that he is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.
He sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of $50 million to him for promotional and marketing works on the YouTube Audio business name and YouTube Audio.com domain name for eight years from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.
He sought a $100 million in damages for loss of anticipated profits associated with the brand equity and goodwill of YouTube Audio and YouTube Audio.com domain name.
Peter also sought from the defendants, the sum of 50 million naira to enable him to carry out fresh registrations of its new name and secure an alternative domain name to host its application to attract users.
The Nigerian sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of 10 million naira to him for prosecution of the suit.
Alternatively, Peter prayed the court for an order for GoDaddy.com to reinstate and hoist the YouTubeAudio.com domain name which was shut down on Dec. 7, 2022 and for Goggle to also reinstate YouTubeAudio.com on its Google PlayStore platform which was unilaterally removed on Dec. 25, 2023.
Chianugo Peter submitted that he acquired rights over YouTubeAudio.com domain name from Go Daddy.com LLC who conducted a search before confirming that he could make use of the name.
The plaintiff averred that he promoted the domain and business name from 2014 to 2022 and even wrote to Google to introduce YouTubeAudio’s services and to partner with it in 2014 and 2021 but received no response from it on both occasions.
He said in February 2021, he applied for and YouTubeAudio.com was registered on Google Adsense platform for displaying advertisement on the website.
Besides, Peter said in August 2021, the domain and business name was registered on Google Playstore.
According to him, the plaintiff consistently paid GoDaddy.com LLC for registration and use of the domain name from 2015 to 2022.
But Google LLC, in its amended statement of defence and counterclaim dated and filed May 31, 2024, averred that its registration of the YOUTUBE trademarks at the Trademarks Registry gives it the exclusive night to the use of the said trademarks.
It submitted that it has incurred expenses in the sum of 24,040 64 dollars in dealing with Peter’s “deliberate infringement of the counterclaimant’s YOUTUBE trademarks.”
The company, therefore, sought a declaration that Peter’s registration and use of the YouTubeAudio business name with BN 2395035 at the CAC is an infringement of its YOUTUBE registered trademarks.
It prayed the court for an order directing Peter to pay the company the total sum of $24,040.64 being the expenses incurred in dealing with his infringement of the YOUTUBE registered trademarks.
It equally sought an order directing the plaintiff to pay the company the cost of defending the suit.
In his amended reply to Google’s amended statement of defence dated 12th July 2024, Peter responded that it is not in doubt that Google LLC owns YouTube trademarks, however, YouTubeAudio is distinct and different from YouTube trademarks.
Chianugo Peter submitted that Google LLC, being a foremost search engine in the world, knew that he had earlier written to it, that he was making use of the YouTubeAudio domain name for the past eight years without any objection or caveat by either GoDaddy.com or Google.
“Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name,” he said.
GoDaddy.com LLC had neither filed any process nor represented in court.
LG Electronics has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at celebrating decades of customer loyalty and technological heritage by searching for the oldest still-functioning LG television sets across the country.
The initiative, themed “The Oldest LG TV”, seeks to honour long-time customers whose LG screens have stood the test of time, while introducing them to the future of home entertainment through LG’s advanced AI QNED TVs.
For generations, LG televisions have been more than an electronic device in Nigerian homes, they have been silent witnesses to family milestones, cultural moments and shared memories.
This campaign bridges nostalgia with innovation, acknowledging the emotional connection Nigerians have built with the brand while showcasing LG’s leadership in AI-powered display technology.
The campaign features a storytelling -driven narrative that highlights community, heritage and the evolution of viewing experiences. Participants are invited to share the stories behind their long-serving LG TVs, transforming everyday screens into symbols of trust, resilience and innovation.
In creative twist, the campaign also introduces LG’s AI-enabled televisions as responsive companions that understand viewer preferences, recommend content and enhance picture quality in real time. This shift from nostalgia to futuristic interactivity underscores LG’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more personalized entertainment solutions.
To participate, simply visit https://lgsearchcampaign.vercel.app/ upload a photo or video of your old LG TV and share the story behind it – how long you’ve had it and the memories it holds.
The winner walks away with a brand-new LG AI QNED TV, effectively trading legacy for luxury.
At its core, this campaign reminds us that technology is not only about pixels and processors, but about people. It’s about the laughter in the living rooms, the silence during tense match moments and the comfort of family routines.
By celebrating the oldest TVs still standing strong, LG is celebrating the people who kept the on, families who trusted the brand through changing times and evolving technologies. In doing so, LG isn’t just upgrading television, it’s upgrading memories into the future.
According to Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, Media Entertainment Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria, “The journey from our classic CRT Televisions to today’s AI QNED technology reflects how far both our customers and our innovation have come. Those early sets were built to last, and many are still functioning today, a testament to durability and consumer trust. This initiative allows us to honour that legacy while introducing a new era of intelligent viewing, where the screen does more than show content; it adapts, learns and enhances every moment”.
LG Display 2026 TV Models at InnoFest
LG Electronics (LG), a leader in AI-powered solutions for the home, outlined plans to accelerate growth in emerging markets at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA. The event, held in Abu Dhabi, provided a forum to share LG’s strategic direction and market outlook with regional partners. At the exhibition, LG displayed its premium 2026 AI TV lineup focusing heavily on advanced processing power, smarter picture and sound technologies. The flagship OLED evo G6 and 100-inch Micro RGB evo TVs are powered by the new Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 3 enabling faster and more intelligent performance. The OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV, an ultra-slim television designed to sit flush against the wall like artwork uses true wireless connectivity, reducing cable clutter and creating a cleaner, minimal setup.
African leaders used the AU Summit in Addis Ababa over the weekend to sharpen the continent’s technology agenda, with Ethiopia positioning artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and connectivity as pillars of Africa’s economic future.
Opening the 39th African Union Summit, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed outlined an ambitious vision to place Africa at the forefront of the global AI race, anchored by Ethiopia’s plan to launch what he described as Africa’s first AI-focused university.
“In 2020, Ethiopia established Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute. Building on this foundation, we are preparing to launch an AI university anchored in the philosophy of Medemer, purposeful collaboration, to unite human values with machine intelligence and position Africa as a global leader in the age of intelligence,” Abiy told delegates. “
He framed AI not as a standalone sector, but as a cross-cutting enabler for governance, industry and social development. “Every river we manage, every city we design, and every digital platform we deploy must generate resilience, opportunity and dignity,” Abiy said. He further linked digital transformation to Agenda 2063’s long-term prosperity goals.
Beyond AI, the high-powered AU summit discussions highlighted digital identity, cross-border connectivity and telecom expansion as critical building blocks for an integrated African market. Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap, including its Faida digital ID ecosystem, was cited as a model for secure, interconnected public services.
Abiy pointed to aviation and telecom infrastructure as key accelerators for economic development across the continent. “Through Ethiopian Airlines, we connect people and markets. Ethio Telecom is expanding partnerships across Africa to bridge the digital divide,” he said.
The Ethiopian leader added that large-scale infrastructure projects are designed to anchor Africa deeper into global value chains.
The broader summit tech agenda also touched on regulatory harmonisation, digital trade and data governance, with leaders emphasizing that continental cooperation is essential to avoid fragmented digital markets.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need for inclusive innovation, telling delegates that Africa’s digital rise must be “people-centered and opportunity-driven,” while African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed coordinated policy frameworks to accelerate adoption.
“AI capability, digital infrastructure and unified regulation are no longer optional ambitions, but strategic imperatives shaping the continent’s competitiveness in the intelligence era,” he said.
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