Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has officially served a writ of summons on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo in a defamation suit filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division.
According to court documents dated June 25, 2026, Obi is
seeking N8 billion in damages over statements allegedly made by Okonkwo during
an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026,
and subsequently circulated on social media platforms.
The legal action is being pursued on Obi’s behalf by Chief
Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Awka,
Anambra State.
DAILY POST reports that case stems from a growing dispute
between the two former political allies, who have recently exchanged criticisms
over political developments and leadership issues within the opposition
movement.
The writ, issued by the court and marked for service outside
Anambra State in neighbouring Enugu State, directs Okonkwo to enter an
appearance within 42 days of being served or risk judgment being entered
against him in his absence.
In the suit, Obi contends that comments made by Okonkwo
during the television interview, which was later uploaded to Channels
Television’s YouTube platform and amplified through his verified social media
accounts, were false, malicious and defamatory.
The former Anambra State governor is claiming N5 billion as
general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, character, integrity,
public image, political standing and goodwill.
He is also seeking N2 billion as aggravated damages, citing
what he described as the breadth, persistence and repetition of the alleged
defamatory statements, including publications made after his lawyers issued a
demand letter dated June 9, 2026.
In addition, Obi is asking the court to award N1 billion in
exemplary damages, arguing that the defendant deliberately repeated and
amplified the allegations despite being notified of his complaint.
Beyond monetary compensation, the plaintiff is seeking
several court orders, including a directive compelling Okonkwo to publish a
full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his
social media accounts and in three national newspapers.
Obi is also requesting an order directing the defendant to
remove all publications containing the disputed allegations from platforms
under his control and a perpetual injunction restraining him from making
similar allegations in the future.
The suit further seeks post-judgment interest on any
monetary award granted by the court, as well as the costs of the action.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com