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Federal High Court Remands Suspended Delta Councillor Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks Against Judiciary, Ex-Governor Okowa
Federal High Court Remands Suspended Delta Councillor Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks Against Judiciary, Ex-Governor Okowa
NEWS
The Nigerian Record
7/26/20261 min read
A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has ordered the remand of the suspended councillor representing Ezhionum Ward in the Ukwuani Legislative Council, Victor Chukwuemeke, at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre over alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.
Chukwuemeke is facing prosecution over comments he allegedly made during an interview on Arise Television, in which he accused the judiciary of accepting bribes to deliver a favourable judgment for the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area.
He also allegedly claimed that former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, influenced the judge who presided over the case.
According to the allegations, the suspended councillor further accused the Ukwuani Local Government chairman of diverting public funds meant for the development of the council to offset debts allegedly owed by Okowa.
He also reportedly alleged that the council chairman was using local government funds to pay members of his family.
The allegations were said to have prompted a petition against Chukwuemeke, leading to an investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and his subsequent arraignment before the Federal High Court.
At the resumed proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial and urged the court to reject the defendant's application for bail.
After listening to arguments from both the prosecution and defence, Justice Funmilola declined the bail application and ordered that Chukwuemeke be remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre pending trial.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The prosecution maintains that the statements allegedly made by the suspended councillor were defamatory and damaging to the reputation of those mentioned.