Cab drivers get disputed $90 million jackpot

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A group of 23 cab drivers claimed a $90 million Big Game jackpot Wednesday after fending off several of their colleagues in court.

At least five other drivers who were not part of the group -- which calls itself Sankofa LLC -- had filed restraining orders against it to keep members from obtaining any of the money.

A total of 14 drivers -- including the five who went to court to protest the division of the winnings -- have been trying to stake their claim on the May 4 Big Game jackpot because at one point they played in the lottery pool organized by winner Max Ossei-Wusu.

In a court order released Wednesday, the plaintiffs' motions were denied and the Georgia Lottery Corporation was authorized to distribute the winnings as soon as possible.

"By about 12:45 today, the Big Game jackpot cash of the $90 million jackpot was wired into their bank account," said Georgia Lottery President Rebecca Paul.

Sankofa LLC attorney Ernest Tate said Wednesday's court order may not signify the end of the group's legal battles. Although the group overcame the restraining order against it, the drivers still could face a trial.

Tate said the money was given to each acknowledged winner in accordance with Georgia law, which mandates a person's money cannot be held while waiting for resolution to a civil matter.

Ossei-Wusu, who organized the pool, said he feels no sorrow for the plaintiffs.

"If you see a liar weeping or crying, don't hesitate to ask him. It's probably the truth that is beating him up," he said.

The name Sankofa translates roughly to, "If you forget something, you can always go back and retrieve it," said member Frank Safo, whose brother was also a winner.

The 23 members of Sankofa -- many of whom are from Ghana -- will each receive an equal portion of the $49,402,808 in winnings. That amounts to about $2,147,000 per person before taxes.