Kwara Lawmaker Disputes Lawyer’s Demand For N81 Million Legal Fee, Considers Lawsuit ‘Excessive and Unwarranted’

Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, representing the Edu/Moro/Patigi federal constituency of Kwara State, has challenged a claim by his former attorney, Salman Jawondo (SAN), over an alleged debt of N81,090,000 for legal services. Saba, who was recently taken to court by Jawondo over this unpaid fee in a pre-election matter, stated that he finds the bill “excessive and unwarranted.” The case is scheduled to continue in Kwara High Court on December 10, 2024.

In response to reports of the court proceedings, Saba acknowledged the existence of an outstanding balance but denied receiving any court summons or documentation regarding the claim. Issuing a statement through his Special Assistant on Digital Media, Liman Hamidu Bello, Saba expressed his intent to resolve the matter “amicably and in good faith.” However, he voiced concerns that the lawsuit might be part of a wider agenda by “detractors attempting to tarnish his reputation and undermine his commitment to public service.”

“We wish to address the recent news article regarding Mr. Ahmed Adamu Saba, which has generated significant online discussion,” read the statement. “While Mr. Saba engaged the legal services of A.S. Jawondo (SAN) for a pre-election case, it’s important to clarify that the quoted N81,090,000 fee appears excessive. Mr. Saba has not been formally served with court documents on this matter, raising questions about the legitimacy and timing of the claim.”

Saba further emphasized his dedication to his duties as a lawmaker, stating he would not allow “personal attacks or unfounded claims” to detract from his work for the Edu/Moro/Patigi constituency.

Jawondo, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara, asserts that Saba owes him fees for his role in representing the legislator in a pre-election lawsuit. According to court documents filed in Kwara State High Court, Jawondo claims he was retained by Saba to defend his candidacy from the Federal High Court up to the Supreme Court. The lawyer contends that the lawmaker initially paid N5,700,000 but left a substantial balance unpaid despite additional reminders, including a final N1,000,000 payment received in December 2023.

The documents further outline Jawondo’s breakdown of the charges, which include N72,250,000 as outstanding professional fees, N3,550,000 for incidental expenses, and N5,295,000 for Value Added Tax (VAT), totaling N81,090,000. Jawondo has urged the court to award this amount, adding 10% interest from the judgment date until full payment.