BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
A Chattered Accountant, Sani Muhammad & Co has dragged Sokoto State Government to court over his unpaid 20 percent of the N8.8billion, which he recovered for the state after painstakingly carrying out audit taxes of all federal MDAs in the state.
Sani Muhammad was engaged by Sokoto State Government in a letter of appointment dated 19/7/2017 and duly signed by the then commissioner of Finance, Saidu Umar to audit taxes of all federal MDAs in Sokoto State.
Part of the appointment letter reads”, Your consideration fee will be 20% of any amount recovered or generated through your efforts, while the state has approved a commitment fee as requested in your proposal”.
After swinging into action, Sani Muhammad & Co was said to have recovered eight billion, eight hundred million naira (8.8bn) from the federal MDAs which was paid into the state government account in March, 2019.
By the recovery of 8.8bn, Sani Muhammad & Co’s 20 percent as agreed was supposed to be one billion, seven hundred and sixty million naira only (1,760 000,000.00).
Regrettably, Sokoto State Government refused to keep its side of the agreement as only fifty million naira (50,000,000.00) was paid to the charterred accountant.
Sani Muhammad & Co wrote a final reminder to the state government on 4/9/2019. Angered by the non response, Sani Muhammad & Co approached the Court on 19/11/2020 in a suit no, SS/ 618/2020 to demand for his payment. The State government however, through the Attorney General and Commsioner for Justice, opted for out of court settlement.
Presiding over the case at the State High Court 3, the presiding Judge M.U Dogon Daji frawned that the case has had 4 adjournments since 21/1/2021 hence awarding a hundred thousand naira (100,000.00) against Sokoto State Government (respondent) before adjourning to 16/9/2021 for definite hearing.