An Anambra State High Court in Onitsha has cleared Peter Obi to serve legal papers on Kenneth Okonkwo by substituted means after bailiffs failed to serve him personally.

Justice D.A. Onyefulu gave the ruling on June 30, 2026 in Suit No. O/229/2026. The court said Obi’s team can paste the writ of summons and other processes at Okonkwo’s last known address: NPR 48 Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State, near Ijeoma Fishing Company, or hand them to any adult at the home.

The judge also ordered that photos of the service be filed as proof and that it be done within seven days.

Obi filed a N5 billion to N8 billion defamation suit against his former campaign spokesman. He alleged Okonkwo made false claims on Channels TV’s Politics Today, including that Obi and NDC South-East leaders demanded money from NASS aspirants. ae54c5d6

Obi’s lawyers, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme SAN, had earlier demanded a retraction, public apology, and damages. Okonkwo rejected the demand, saying his comments were fair comment on public issues.

With substituted service approved, the suit can now proceed to hearing once proof of service is filed. The substantive allegations are yet to be argued in court.

Sources: Vanguard, SaharaReporters, TheCable, Premium Times