Lawyers representing the 2027 presidential flag bearer of National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, have reportedly served court processes on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo through substituted means in an ongoing ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit.
The development follows an order by the High Court in Onitsha, Anambra State, permitting substituted service after the claimant’s legal team reportedly experienced difficulty serving the defendant personally.
According to information circulating online and shared on social media, the court documents were pasted at what was described as Okonkwo’s last known address in Nsukka, Enugu State, in compliance with the court’s directive.
Photographs showing the documents affixed to the property have also emerged online.
The substituted service comes after Okonkwo had reportedly maintained that he had not been served with any court papers in the case.
With the latest development, legal proceedings are expected to continue, subject to the court’s timetable. Under Nigerian civil procedure, substituted service is a lawful alternative when a court is satisfied that personal service is impracticable.
The ₦8 billion suit stems from an alleged defamatory publication, although the substantive issues in dispute are yet to be determined by the court. Both parties are expected to present their arguments when the matter comes up for hearing.
Mixed Reactions Trail Development
The court action has generated intense debate across social media and online forums.
While some commentators argued that the legal team merely complied with a valid court order, others questioned why the documents were not served at an address where Okonkwo is believed to currently reside.
Several observers also viewed the dispute as another sign of growing political differences between supporters of Obi and those aligned with other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, legal experts note that once a court grants leave for substituted service, compliance with the order is generally considered sufficient unless successfully challenged before the same court.
Case Yet to Be Determined
As of the time of filing this report, neither the court nor the parties has delivered any judgment on the merits of the defamation claims.
The case remains pending, and the allegations contained in the suit have not been tested or established in court. Both Obi and Okonkwo will have the opportunity to present evidence and legal arguments before the court reaches a decision.
Sources: Court filings as reported online and social media posts showing the substituted service, and discussions.
Headlineswave.ng is committed to verified, accurate, and responsible journalism.
This report is based on information available at the time of publication.
Allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and all parties are presumed entitled to a fair hearing until the court reaches a final decision.
