A High Court in has ordered to refund more than N5 billion to the state government following a legal dispute over a consultancy agreement.
Delivering judgment, Justice of the Bauchi State High Court II directed the company to immediately repay N5,028,249,914.66 to the Bauchi State Government.
Dispute Over Consultancy Agreement
According to the court, the state government had engaged Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited under a consultancy contract to reconcile and recover idle funds and excess charges linked to foreign loans.
However, the agreement reportedly expired on January 2, 2015, and the company failed to recover the alleged excess deductions and outstanding funds within the 90-day period specified in the contract.
Justice Hamidu ruled that since the consultancy agreement had expired and was not renewed, the company had no legal entitlement to any consultancy fees.
Court Issues Restraining Order
The court also issued an injunction restraining the company, its agents, or representatives from demanding any consultancy fees from the Bauchi State Government in relation to the expired agreement.
In addition, the court awarded N100 million in general damages against the company.
Bauchi Government Reacts
Counsel to the Bauchi State Government, , who represented , praised the judgment, describing it as a fair and just decision in favour of the state.
Meanwhile, appeared in court as counsel for Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited during the proceedings.
The ruling brings an end to the long-running legal battle over the consultancy contract between the Bauchi State Government and the company.
