Anambra Court Grants Peter Obi Leave 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, leave to serve court documents on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo through substituted means in his defamation lawsuit against him.

The order was made after Obi’s legal team informed the court that repeated efforts to personally serve the defendant with the originating court processes had proved unsuccessful.

Justice D.A. Onyefulu directed that the writ of summons and accompanying court documents be pasted at Okonkwo’s last known residential address in Nsukka, Enugu State, or alternatively handed to any adult found at the residence. The court further held that the substituted service must be carried out in accordance with the order before the matter proceeds.

The suit stems from alleged defamatory statements reportedly made by Okonkwo during a television interview, in which he accused Obi and some leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding additional payments from National Assembly aspirants seeking party tickets. Obi has denied the allegations, describing them as false, malicious and damaging to his reputation.

Before commencing the legal action, Obi’s lawyers had reportedly issued a pre-action demand asking Okonkwo to retract the statements, publish a public apology and pay damages. Following the expiration of the ultimatum, Obi proceeded to file the defamation suit before the Onitsha Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court.

With the court now approving substituted service, the case is expected to move to the next stage once proof of service is filed in compliance with the court’s directive.

Court Approves Substituted Service in Peter Obi’s Defamation Case Against Kenneth Okonkwo