Connect with us

Telecom

Falana, Media Trial is Old School; Please Try Something New from 2025 – Leo Stan Ekeh

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, while reacting to phone inquiries from some journalists to confirm if he was aware of a new lawsuit against his companies, staff, wife, and himself as published in Sahara Reporters, dismissed the suit as empty forum shopping.

Ekeh said he was shocked that Femi Falana (SAN), counsel to Benjamin Joseph of Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd, an Enugu indigene based in Ibadan, has continued in the old school of media trial in the same case he withdrew last year after he “misled” the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami to issue him a Fiat.

He said: “A few friends mentioned it to me a few days back. I was really shocked that Femi Falana (SAN) still continues in this old school of media trial in the same case he shamefully withdrew last year after he misled the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Malami SAN, to issue him a fiat. A few days after Mr. Malami issued the Fiat, he discovered that Mr. Falana misled him by hiding material facts without disclosing to him that there was already a judgment by Hon. Justice Danlami Senchi of the FCT High Court in Charge  No. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018 against his client on the same case with N20m damage imposed on his client, Mr. Benjamin Joseph of Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd, for false petitioning and to serve as a deterrence against others who waste taxpayers’ money incurred in investigating spurious petitions.

“Falana also did not inform the Attorney General that he is the lawyer acting for Benjamin Joseph who filed a motion to appeal the N20m damages. Mr. Malami was also upset that Femi Falana didn’t actively disclose the fact that Benjamin Joseph was still facing a criminal case instituted against him by the Inspector General of Police in another court in Charge No.CR/216/16 before Honourable Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court Abuja, for false information on the same facts, which his client Benjamin Joseph, was unable to defend for over 8 years.  Instead, Mr Joseph was avoiding the court for flimsy reasons. The same Attorney General – Mr. Malami, had instructed that the criminal case against Benjamin Joseph should not be withdrawn but must be prosecuted to a logical conclusion, as contained in 3 separate letters to the Inspector General of Police after Benjamin Joseph had begged Mr. Malami to stop his trial.”

Ekeh expressed his respect for Falana but stressed that “this case should instruct him to unlearn a few things in his practice. Times have moved from analogue to digital. There are new kids on the block. It is difficult for me to agree that Falana, as an experienced lawyer, parent, husband to another distinguished SAN, could not differentiate between corporate and individual personalities. He listed Zinox, myself, and even retired non-Executive Directors of Technology Distributions Ltd as defendants, persons who have never been included in any investigation and report since this case started in 2013 just to make his media trial appear important.”

He wondered “when serious matters of law became a show business. Every mature Nigerian knows the relationship between Falana and Sahara Reporters. It’s instructive to note that as we speak, the new suit filed by Falana has not been served on me or any of the defendants, to the best of my knowledge. However, Falana had rushed to the media, using Sahara Reporters to splash it as ‘Breaking News’ just to achieve the set objective of his client, Benjamin Joseph.”

The Zinox boss said: “It is clear that they do not have confidence in their case but simply want media publicity to harass and embarrass me, my wife, directors, and staff of my companies. It is regrettable that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria would be playing to the gallery instead of venting his case in court. You can see that Falana is doing everything to protect his client at all costs, a man who lied but later confessed in his Witness Statement on Oath in a civil case he filed at the Lagos State High Court, that he knew about the contract and gave Princess Kama (his partner) all personal and corporate documents needed for the FIRS contract.

“This shows that he has been lying all the while that he was not aware of the contract.  It is also to be noted that the FIRS, in a letter on February 11, 2014, to Chief Afe Babalola Chambers, stated that Benjamin Joseph knew about the contract and that he gave them a letter accepting the contract and appointing Princess Kama, his staff, as the authorised representative of Citadel on the contract and also that Citadel instructed the FIRS to pay the proceeds of the contract into the Access Bank account opened for that purpose. I should suppose that it’s part of the reason the respected Afe Babalola SAN technically withdrew from acting for Benjamin Joseph in 2014. But Femi Falana would rather continue in his intransigence to propagate the spurious claims of his client. As a counsel, it behoves him to properly advise his client not to tow a wrong path, especially when there’s a subsisting judgment that imposed N20 million damages against him for false petitioning.

“I am in tech business and will never dine with any alleged blackmailer as Benjamin Joseph appears to be acting out. I am sure Mr. Falana and the learned AGF of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, both experienced lawyers, have not created time to read through this case file. If they did, then it is regrettable that the respected AGF would still grant another Fiat to Falana even after a similar Fiat was withdrawn from Falana by the former AGF over misrepresentation of facts. I doubt that the AGF, after withdrawing the criminal case against Benjamin Joseph in June 2024 to save him from possible imprisonment, would now issue a Fiat on behalf of the same Benjamin Joseph to file charges against the people he lied against. We cannot leave this country for people who dance to the gallery.

“We must fix it. Thank you, but please note that I have nothing against Falana and Co., but  if truly he secured a Fiat this year, which I doubt, we shall meet in court,” he said

 


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending