Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa is demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over an extortion allegation made on national television.

Udenwa's lawyer, Soronnadi Njoku, SAN, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Okonkwo in a letter dated June 14, 2026. The letter demands a retraction of the statement, a strongly worded apology published in five national dailies and aired on Channels Television during prime time, and an undertaking never to defame Udenwa again.

The trouble started on June 8, 2026, during Okonkwo's appearance on Channels Television's 'Sunrise Daily' programme. In the live interview, Okonkwo said: "That is why the NDC has released a statement that it's only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Oyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants."

Njoku's letter argues that Okonkwo, as a legal practitioner, knows or ought to know the meaning of "extort" — obtaining money by compulsion or violence. He said the statement falsely painted Udenwa as a common criminal who abuses his position for personal gain.

"Your Publication has greatly lowered his image in the eyes of right-thinking members of the Nigerian society, especially the citizens of Imo State, who watched you on CHANNEL TELEVISION and/or read your publication on the numerous Newspapers and Internet/Social Media Platforms where you were widely published."

Udenwa was governor of Imo State for two terms of four years each. After that, he served as a minister in the federal government. Njoku pointed out that Udenwa has never been accused of corruption or any crime anywhere in Nigeria or abroad, and has no pending corruption cases.

The letter describes the statement as "false, malicious, and defamatory" and says it has injured Udenwa's credit and reputation. It notes that the comment was broadcast live nationally and internationally, and was later republished by multiple media houses including Daily Post, Pointblank News, Igbere TV, and online platforms.

Okonkwo is a Nollywood actor who later ventured into politics. He was a member of the Labour Party and served as a spokesman for Peter Obi's presidential campaign in 2023. He recently decamped to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a newer political party.

The demand letter gives Okonkwo seven days from the date of the letter to comply. If he fails, Udenwa has indicated he'll pursue legal action for defamation. The case could test how far political speech goes before it becomes actionable in court.