Ekeh, Zinox boss, warns entrepreneurs against executive blackmail

Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has advised budding Nigerian entrepreneurs to be wary of the rising threat of executive blackmail.

He noted that in the 21st century, they have to remain selectively deaf and dumb to be successful as too many people are talking at the same time.

“Things have changed and COVID-19 has forcefully enhanced the digital profile of over 50% of the urban population. Blackmailers and detractors are yet to come to terms with the reality that the world has moved forward. Don’t patronize them. They are like armed robbers,’’ he warned.

Using himself as an example, Ekeh said it is a clear policy in his companies never to pay a kobo to blackmailers.

“We will never do. In the Third World and Nigeria in particular, it is an industry, so you must not patronize them. I am sure you have been reading a series of defamatory articles from online platforms and their partner, Mr. Joseph Benjamin of Citadel Ltd, Ibadan against me and my company Zinox.

“I made it clear to them that we do not engage with blackmailers but if they seek any clarifications, we are ready to make that available within 24 hours. In summary, we had published several times our position that I do not know Mr. Benjamin Joseph and Zinox never transacted any business with him and he should please publish proofs, if otherwise. Premium Times is the only media house in Nigeria that has no eyes to see the truth, it can only be commercial.

“First, Citadel Oracle Ltd, Ibadan has no reputation to transact business with any member of the Group except guaranteed by a credible company or person. How can I and Zinox be indicted, for what? We have no case against us in any court, the Police or EFCC. Please let him publish and tell the world which court in Nigeria summoned me and my staff and I refused to attend to them. I am aware that Joseph has been accused of attempting to blackmail Access bank Plc, EFCC, the former IGP and current senior Police officers, the Attorney General of the Federation, his Directors, and the Vice President. After his petition was investigated by EFCC and Police and was found to be absolutely false, he was sued by the Police for false information. I understand he has refused to appear in court to defend a case he reported but instead has chosen to work with the online platform to tarnish the image of credible Nigerians. 

“Mr. Joseph is well known for his antics and works with select media to blackmail and extort money from people. We are aware he is being sponsored by our competitors to destroy my global Platinum credit rating by writing rubbish but they forgot we are in the 21st century where data is king and that I have built my Group as a child of trust economy for over 35 years. He is happily feeding on the fund he is collecting from our competitors and our competitors cannot withdraw from shooting out cash, else he will turn against them,’’ he stated.
In addition, Ekeh counseled participants not to toe the line of other unscrupulous business owners against their competitors.