An Anambra State High Court in Onitsha has approved substituted service of court documents on Peter Obi’s former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo, in the ongoing Peter Obi lawsuit.
According to Daily Post, the ruling followed an application by Obi’s legal team after efforts to personally serve Okonkwo with the court processes were unsuccessful. The lawyers asked the court to allow an alternative method of service instead.
After reviewing the application, the court granted the request. It ordered that the originating court processes be served through Okonkwo’s known address, allowing the legal process to continue.
The Peter Obi lawsuit arose from an alleged defamatory statement that Obi said damaged his reputation. He is seeking N5 billion in damages from Okonkwo over the claim.
Although the ruling does not address the substance of the case, it removes a procedural hurdle and clears the way for the matter to proceed. Once the substituted service is completed, the case can move to the next stage.
The court later adjourned the matter for further proceedings. Both parties are expected to continue with the case in line with the court’s directives.
The Peter Obi lawsuit has drawn attention because it involves two well-known political figures. However, the latest decision is limited to the issue of serving court documents and does not determine whether the defamation claim has merit.
For now, attention will shift to the next hearing as the legal process continues.
