By Okechukwu Onuegbu
An Anambra State High Court sitting at Onitsha Judicial Division, Wednesday, granted the Presidential candidate of National Democratic Party (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, leave to serve court processes on Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo through substituted means.
Hon. Justice D.A. Onyefulu granted the order in Suit No. O/229/2026 and Motion No. O/1322M/2026 in response to ex parte application moved by counsel to the plaintiff, Chisom Ibemesi, following an affidavit deposing to unsuccessful attempts by the court bailiff to personally serve the defendant with the originating court processes.
The court also granted leave for the writ of summons and all accompanying or subsequent processes to be served by pasting them at the defendant’s last known residential address at NPR 48 Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State, near Ijeoma Fishing Company, or by delivering them to any adult found at the address.
Justice Onyefulu further directed that the order be carried out within seven days, adding that photographic evidence of the substituted service be taken and filed before the court as proof of compliance.
The application was brought pursuant to Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the relevant provisions of the Anambra State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.
The order would clear the way for the suit instituted by Obi against Okonkwo to proceed after unsuccessful efforts allegedly made to effect personal service on the defendant. The substantive issues in the suit are yet to be heard by the court.
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