Former Imo State Governor Chief Achike Udenwa has instituted a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against lawyer, politician and Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo at the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division. The writ of summons, dated 24 July 2026 and marked Suit No. HOW/ /2026, was served on Okonkwo outside jurisdiction at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Udenwa is suing over remarks Okonkwo allegedly made on 8 June 2026 during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. The suit quotes Okonkwo as saying: “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants.”
According to the statement of claim, the comments were broadcast live, later uploaded to Channels TV’s YouTube channel under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries,” and further circulated on Okonkwo’s verified X account, Facebook and other platforms.
Udenwa, a chartered accountant who governed Imo State from 1999 to 2007 and later served as Minister of Commerce and Industry from 2008 to 2010, describes himself as a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) with no executive role in the party. He denies ever extorting any aspirant, states that he played no part in the NDC’s 2027 candidate nomination process, and says he has never met Onyema Ugochukwu or Peter Obi for any such purpose. He also notes that he has never been accused of fraud, dishonesty or financial impropriety during his public career, nor has he been charged by the EFCC, ICPC or any other investigative agency.
The former governor claims the allegations have caused “great injury to his credit and reputation” and prompted numerous calls from associates seeking explanations.
Udenwa is seeking a declaration that the statements are false, malicious, baseless and defamatory; N5 billion in general damages for injury to his reputation, character, integrity and political standing; an order compelling Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube channel, X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, as well as in three national daily newspapers within 30 days; an order directing the deletion and removal of all related posts, videos and publications; a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from further publishing similar allegations; and N25 million as counsel’s fees, plus costs.
Counsel for the plaintiff, Chief Soronnadi Njoku, SAN & Co, stated that Okonkwo has 42 days from the date of service to enter appearance, failing which judgment may be entered against him in his absence.
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