Defamation Storm: Udenwa Demands ₦5bn, Public Apology from Kenneth Okonkwo Over Extortion Allegation

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Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, has initiated legal steps against lawyer and politician Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding ₦5 billion in damages over comments he described as defamatory and injurious to his reputation.

The demand was conveyed through a letter dated June 11, 2026, issued by Udenwa’s legal representatives following remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the legal team, led by Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN), Okonkwo claimed during the interview that “Oyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants.”

The lawyers strongly rejected the allegation, describing it as false, malicious and defamatory. They argued that the statement portrayed the former governor as an individual who exploited his public office for personal gain, thereby tarnishing a reputation built over decades of public service.

In the letter, the legal team emphasized that Udenwa, who served two terms as governor of Imo State and later held a ministerial position, has never been indicted, prosecuted or convicted for corruption, extortion, embezzlement or any related criminal offence.

They further contended that the allegation exposed their client to public ridicule and contempt while damaging his standing among members of the public.

The lawyers noted that the statement was aired on a television platform with extensive local and international reach before being reproduced by multiple media outlets, a development they said amplified the alleged harm caused to Udenwa’s image.

As part of their demands, Udenwa’s legal representatives are seeking an unconditional written apology from Okonkwo, publication of the apology in five national newspapers, and a public retraction of the statement on Channels Television during prime-time programming.

They also requested a written commitment from Okonkwo assuring that similar allegations would not be made against the former governor in the future.

In addition to the retraction and apology, the legal team is demanding payment of ₦5 billion as compensation for what they described as severe reputational damage suffered by their client.

The letter warned that if the demands are not met within seven days, legal proceedings would be instituted in a court of competent jurisdiction in Imo State.

According to the lawyers, they have already received instructions from Udenwa to pursue legal remedies, including the recovery of the claimed damages and other reliefs that may be granted by the court.

As of press time, Kenneth Okonkwo had not issued any public response to the allegations or the demands contained in the legal notice.

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