By Henry Ojelu

GUSAU — A Zamfara State High Court sitting in Gusau has ordered the freezing of N1.45 billion allegedly linked to Ronchess Group Plc in a first-generation bank pending the determination of a suit over disputed consultancy fees connected to road contracts awarded by the Zamfara State Government.

Justice Mukhtar Yushau granted the interlocutory injunction in Suit No: ZMS/GS/3/2025, restraining the bank from releasing or tampering with the funds until the case is determined.

The court also barred Ronchess Group Plc and its Managing Director, Mr. Jackson Ukuevo, from dealing with the disputed sum.

The suit was filed by Mr. Samson Davies and Signature Group Limited, who are claiming 20 per cent consultancy fees for allegedly facilitating multi-billion naira road contracts awarded to Ronchess by the Zamfara State Government.

Davies, in his affidavit, claimed his company was engaged in 2023 to secure contracts for the firm in exchange for 20 per cent of the contract value. He alleged that although about N294 million had been paid, an outstanding balance of N1.45 billion remained unpaid. He further accused the defendants of moving contract funds into affiliated companies, warning that failure to preserve the funds could render any future judgment ineffective. However, the defendants denied the claims, describing them as false and misleading.

Ronchess, through its Contract Manager, James Mamza, maintained that Davies was never engaged as a contract facilitator but worked as a salaried consultant. The company also denied any agreement on a 20 per cent commission.

The firm stated that payments made to Davies’ company were for foreign exchange transactions related to procurement of materials, alleging that he failed to remit funds to suppliers.

Ronchess further disclosed that a petition had been filed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to Davies’ arraignment over alleged financial misconduct.

Despite the objections, the court granted the preservatory order and directed that any funds moved during the pendency of the suit be restored.

The matter was adjourned for hearing of the substantive suit.