Peter Obi officially serves legal documents to Kenneth Okonkwo in alleged fraud case

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr. Peter Obi, has formally served a writ of summons on actor‑turned‑politician Kenneth Okonkwo in a defamation case filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division.

Court documents dated 25 June 2026 show that Obi is seeking N8 billion in damages over statements allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on 8 June 2026, and later circulated on social media.

Obi’s legal team is represented by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers) in Awka, Anambra State.

According to the Daily Post, the case arises 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 court‑issued writ, marked for service outside Anambra State in neighbouring Enugu State, directs Okonkwo to appear within 42 days of service or face judgment in his absence.

In the suit, Obi alleges that comments made by Okonkwo during the television interview, which was later uploaded to Channels Television’s YouTube channel and amplified through his verified social media accounts, were false, malicious and defamatory.

The former Anambra State governor claims N5 billion as general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.

He also seeks N2 billion as aggravated damages, citing the breadth, persistence and repetition of the alleged defamatory statements, including publications made after his lawyers issued a demand letter on 9 June 2026.

Obi further requests 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 seeks 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 also requests 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 additionally seeks post‑judgment interest on any monetary award granted by the court, as well as the costs of the action.