The Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC secured a final legal victory for our client, Sannah Dauda, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. On March 10, 2026, the court denied a motion to overturn our client’s $118,407 award.

This ruling ensures that our client receives the justice they deserve. We successfully protected the judgment against multiple post-trial challenges.

The Legal Challenge: A Motion for Reconsideration

In March 2025, the Honorable Gina L. Simms ordered defendant Valery Jean to pay our client. However, the defendant filed a motion to reconsider that award. He claimed he had “newly obtained” evidence showing he already repaid the debt. He specifically challenged the court’s award of unpaid interest.

Why the Court Denied the Motion

The court issued a detailed 9-page opinion rejecting the defendant’s arguments. The judge based this decision on several critical legal factors:

  • Lack of Diligence: The court found the evidence was not “newly discovered”.

  • Prior Awareness: The defendant knew these bank records existed as early as September 2023.

  • No Manifest Injustice: A motion to reconsider is an “extraordinary remedy”.

  • Relitigation Prohibited: The judge ruled that the defendant simply tried to “relitigate old issues” after losing the case.

  • Unreliable Evidence: The court reviewed the defendant’s submitted receipts.

  • Missing Information: It found they lacked “sufficient indicia of reliability”.

  • Identification Gaps: The receipts did not even include the plaintiff’s name or full account numbers.

  • Legal Finality: The court noted that “mere disagreement” with a ruling does not justify a new hearing.

The Confirmed Judgment

Because the court denied the motion, the original award remains in full effect. The total judgment includes:

  • Principal & Interest: $107,500

  • Attorney’s Fees: $10,360

  • Court Costs: $547

    “The judgment entered in this case… remains in effect.” — Hon. Gina L. Simms, U.S. Magistrate Judge

Dedicated Advocacy for Our Clients

At the Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC, we fight to secure your rights. We do not just win the initial case; we protect that victory through every stage of litigation. This ruling shows our commitment to thorough legal work and unwavering client support.

Do you need a legal team to protect your financial interests? Contact the Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC today.