Lawyer Drags Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to Court Over Unpaid ₦3 Million Legal Fee

An Abuja-based lawyer, Barrister Nkemakolam S.C. Okoro, has filed a lawsuit against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The case borders on the alleged refusal of the Deputy Speaker to pay his professional fees amounting to ₦3,000,000 for legal services rendered since 2021.

According to court documents obtained by reporters, the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/3212 details how Barr. Okoro was engaged by Hon. Kalu in October 2021 to institute legal action against Azman Air Services Ltd. The case reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction expressed by Kalu and other lawmakers over alleged poor treatment by the airline.

In his affidavit supporting the writ of summons, Barr. Okoro said that despite fulfilling his professional obligations, the Deputy Speaker allegedly refused and neglected to pay his legal fees for more than four years, despite several reminders.

Part of the affidavit reads, “That sometime in October 2021, the Defendant engaged my professional services to file a suit on his behalf and on behalf of other Honourable Members who were dissatisfied with the way and manner they were treated by Azman Air Services Ltd.”

He added that he had several communications with Hon. Kalu regarding the case, including WhatsApp messages and calls where the Deputy Speaker gave direct instructions concerning the matter. Copies of these communications were attached to the court filings as Exhibits.

The affidavit further stated, “That from the day the Defendant briefed me to handle the matter till date, he refused, neglected, and failed to pay my professional fees, despite repeated oral and written demands, including WhatsApp messages and a formal letter of demand dated August 14, 2025.”

Barr. Okoro explained that the refusal of payment caused him “tremendous and unquantifiable inconveniences and losses.” The documents before the court also included an acknowledged letter of demand by the Deputy Speaker dated August 2025, confirming receipt of the lawyer’s request for payment.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that after being served with court processes about a month ago, the Deputy Speaker allegedly made part payment but has yet to complete the outstanding balance.

The development has stirred public attention, especially with the case coming at a time when Hon. Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, is being mentioned in political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections in Abia State.

Legal analysts believe the outcome of the case will test accountability standards among public officials and the respect for contractual obligations in Nigeria’s political class.