The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has been sued by his former lawyer for failing to fully settle professional fees totaling N3 million (Three Million Naira) for legal services provided over four years ago. The suit, filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, sighted by TheNigerialawyer, accuses Kalu of neglect, refusal, and willful delay in payment despite repeated demands.
The claimant, Nkemakolam S.C. Okoro, Esq., a legal practitioner of 19 years’ standing based in Abuja, alleges in court process(writ), that Kalu engaged his services in October 2021 to represent him and eight other National Assembly members in a dispute against Azman Air Services Limited. The group, dissatisfied with the airline’s treatment of them, sought redress through the courts, leading Okoro to file a writ of summons on their behalf under Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2884/2021, titled Alhaji Rijau Shehu Saleh & 8 Ors v. Azman Air Services Limited, on November 1, 2021.
According to the affidavit in support of the writ of summons, dated August 15, 2025, Okoro mobilized court bailiffs to serve the writ on the airline, which subsequently filed its memorandum of appearance and statement of defense. Throughout the engagement—from initial briefings via WhatsApp communications to the ongoing handling of the matter—Okoro claims he made “several conversations and communications” with Kalu, whose instructions were “made clear.” Exhibits attached to the affidavit include copies of these WhatsApp exchanges (marked Exhibit 1), the original writ of summons (Exhibit 2), the airline’s response (Exhibit 3), and a demand message for fees (Exhibit 4).
Despite these efforts, Okoro states that Kalu “refused, neglected, and failed” to pay the agreed professional fees of N3 million, even after “repeated demands, both orally and via WhatsApp conversations.” The lawyer highlights the “tremendous and unquantifiable inconveniences and losses” he has endured due to this delay, emphasizing that he is “entitled to be paid” for the services rendered.
The situation escalated recently when, after a letter of demand sent to Kalu on August 14, 2025 duly acknowledged by the defendant—Okoro proceeded to file the current suit under Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/52/2/2025. The writ of summons, issued on August 15, 2025, was served on Kalu’s office at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone and received on August 19, 2025. The document commands Kalu to enter an appearance within 14 days of service, warning that failure to do so could result in judgment being given in his absence. The writ is slated for the undefended list, and Okoro seeks full payment of the fees, plus costs and interest.
Adding intrigue to the case, sources close to the TheNigerialawyer reveals that Kalu made a partial payment approximately one month ago around early September 2025 only after the service of the court processes. However, the exact amount of this partial settlement remains undisclosed, and Okoro maintains in his affidavit that the full N3 million remains outstanding.
Efforts by this reporter to reach Hon. Benjamin Kalu for comment on the allegations and the status of the payment proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Multiple attempts to contact his office at the House of Representatives yielded no response.
When approached for further details, Nkemakolam S.C. Okoro himself declined to speak with the media. “I don’t want to speak with the media on this,” he stated firmly when queried about whether full payment had been made for the job. Okoro,reiterated his position when pressed on the matter.
The affidavit, sworn by Okoro as an “adult, male, Christian, and Nigerian citizen,” concludes with a strong assertion that Kalu “has no defence to this action” and that granting the reliefs sought would “serve the best interest of justice.” It was deposed in accordance with the Oaths Act, LFN 2004.
This lawsuit comes at a sensitive time for Kalu, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly and a key ally to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. As Deputy Speaker, Kalu has been vocal on issues of good governance and accountability, making the irony of these unpaid fees particularly poignant for observers. The original 2021 case against Azman Air stemmed from grievances over the airline’s handling of the lawmakers, though details of its current status remain unclear.
Lawyers note that such disputes between politicians and their counsel are not uncommon in Nigeria, often exacerbated by the high-stakes nature of public service litigation. However, the four-year delay and resort to court action underscore deeper issues of professional ethics and financial accountability in the corridors of power.
The case is being closely watched for its potential implications on Kalu’s public image.