Peter Obi Granted Leave to Serve Kenneth Okonkwo by Substituted Means in N8 Billion Defamation Suit
A Nigerian court has granted Peter Obi leave to serve Kenneth Okonkwo with court documents by substituted means in a ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit. Okonkwo denies receiving the documents and questions the suit's legitimacy.
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A Nigerian court has granted former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi leave to serve court documents by substituted means on Kenneth Okonkwo, a political aide to presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar, in a ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit. The suit was filed on 25 June, according to Premium Times.
Obi’s legal team sought alternative service after asserting that Okonkwo had not been formally served. The court’s decision allows service through means other than direct hand-delivery, often used when the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown or cooperation is lacking.
Okonkwo has publicly denied receiving any court documents and challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings. In a statement reported by Legit.ng on 2 July, he questioned the legal foundation of the suit and maintained he had not been properly served.
The defamation claim stems from statements allegedly made by Okonkwo about Obi during the 2023 election period. The court’s approval of substituted service keeps the legal process moving despite procedural disputes.
Legal experts note that substituted service is common in high-profile cases where service is contested. The next court date has not yet been disclosed.