Court Grants Peter Obi Permission to Serve Kenneth Okonkwo Through Substituted Means in Defamation Suit

An Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has granted former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, permission to serve court processes on politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, through substituted means in his defamation suit.

The order was issued by Justice D.A. Onyefulu in Suit No. O/229/2026 after Obi's legal team informed the court that efforts to personally serve the defendant had been unsuccessful.

Justice Onyefulu directed that the writ of summons and other accompanying court processes be pasted at Okonkwo's last known address at NPR 48 Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State, near Ijeoma Fishing Company, or served on any adult found at the residence.

The court further ordered that the service be photographed and the evidence filed before the court as proof of compliance within seven days.

The suit stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during his appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.

According to Obi's legal team, Okonkwo falsely alleged that Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East demanded ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in exchange for party tickets.

Obi is seeking substantial damages reportedly running into several billion naira, as well as a public apology and retraction of the alleged defamatory statements.

The matter is expected to proceed after the court documents have been served through the substituted means approved by the court and proof of service has been filed.