By Ayodele Oni
Suit directs Okonkwo to enter appearance within 42 days
Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has filed a defamation suit against actor Kenneth Okonkwo seeking the sum of N8 billion as damages.
The suit, which writ of summon has officially been served on the actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, was 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 suit was filed on Obi’s behalf by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Awka, Anambra State.
The 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.
No date has been fixed for hearing.
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