Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against actor-turned-politician and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, accusing him of making damaging allegations during a live television programme.
The suit, filed before the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division, was served on Okonkwo outside the court’s jurisdiction at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State. The case stems from comments the former presidential spokesperson allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026.
According to court documents, Okonkwo allegedly claimed during the programme that Udenwa, alongside Onyema Ugochukwu, Peter Obi and other South-East political leaders, extorted aspirants during a political process. The statement was subsequently broadcast live, uploaded to Channels Television’s YouTube channel and reportedly shared across several social media platforms, including Okonkwo’s verified X and Facebook accounts.
Udenwa has strongly denied the allegation, insisting he never extorted money from any political aspirant. He stated that although he is a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), he holds no executive position in the party and played no role in its 2027 candidate nomination process.
The former governor further argued that throughout his public service career, he had never been accused or convicted of fraud, dishonesty or financial misconduct. He also maintained that he had never met with Onyema Ugochukwu or Peter Obi to extort any aspirant and has never been investigated or charged by agencies such as the EFCC or ICPC over such allegations.
In the statement of claim, Udenwa contended that the publication severely damaged his reputation, integrity and political standing. He said the allegation exposed him to public ridicule and prompted numerous calls from associates seeking clarification over the claims.
As part of the reliefs sought, Udenwa is asking the court to declare the statements false, malicious and defamatory. He is also seeking ₦5 billion in general damages, an order compelling Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his social media accounts and three national newspapers within 30 days.
The suit further requests that all related publications be removed from online platforms, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar statements in the future, and ₦25 million as legal costs.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN), stated that Okonkwo has 42 days from the date of service to enter an appearance before the court, failing which judgment may be entered in his absence. At the time of filing this report, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
