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Peter Obi Demands ₦5bn and Public Apology From Kenneth Okonkwo Over Defamation in Lagos

Obi’s legal team threatens court action if Okonkwo fails to retract bribery, fraud allegations within seven days

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Obi’s legal team threatens court action if Okonkwo fails to retract bribery, fraud allegations within seven days

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Governor of Anambra State, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview in Lagos. The demand was communicated through Obi’s lawyers in a letter dated June 9, 2026, following statements made by Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, June 8.

Obi’s legal representatives, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), stated that Okonkwo accused Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East of instructing party aspirants for the House of Representatives to pay a ₦10 million bribe, after settling the official expression of interest fee. The lawyers further noted that Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence of these payments and that Obi personally selected candidates from a hotel room. Additional allegations included warnings to aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, collecting money from Nigerians abroad, and engaging in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.

According to the legal team, these comments were not only aired but also widely circulated by media outlets and online platforms. The lawyers described the statements as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact,” insisting that they portrayed Obi as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud and criminal conduct. They argued that the allegations went beyond normal political debate and amounted to an attack on Obi’s integrity and public reputation.

The letter demanded that Okonkwo withdraw his statements within seven days of receipt, issue a public apology published through the same channels where the allegations were originally made and disseminated, and pay ₦5 billion as compensation for damages. Obi’s counsel warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate legal action seeking even higher damages for defamation.

As at press time, Kenneth Okonkwo had not issued any public response to Obi’s demands or the threats of litigation. The development has sparked discussions among political stakeholders regarding standards for public commentary ahead of future elections. Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving high-profile politicians are handled in Nigerian courts.

Source: https://punchng.com/peter-obi-demands-n5bn-apology-from-okonkwo-over-defamation-allegation/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania

Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

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June 11, 2026

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Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

A senior officer of the Nigerian Army has made history in the United States by becoming the first Nigerian to achieve top honours at the US War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The achievement, which was confirmed on Thursday, June 11, highlights a significant milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces on the international stage.

According to information released by military authorities, the officer distinguished himself among peers from several countries during his academic and leadership programmes at the institution. His performance reportedly surpassed previous records set by Nigerians and other international participants at the college.

The US War College is recognised globally for grooming senior military leaders and strategists. Nigeria’s army has maintained a tradition of sending selected officers for advanced training there as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. This latest accomplishment is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in international military circles and is expected to inspire other officers within the service.

While official statements from Defence Headquarters praised the officer’s commitment and excellence, some security analysts described the feat as evidence of improvement in Nigeria’s military training standards. “This shows that with proper support and exposure, Nigerian officers can compete favourably anywhere in the world,” one analyst said.

The officer is expected to return to Nigeria soon, where he will be decorated in an official ceremony. The Army says his success underscores its commitment to investing in human capital development. Stakeholders believe this will motivate more personnel to pursue excellence both locally and internationally.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886915-nigerian-army-officer-makes-history-at-us-war-college.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Army GOC Commissions New Barracks in Rivers, Honours Fallen Soldiers at 29 Battalion

Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

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June 11, 2026

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Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commissioned newly renovated accommodation and a Heroes Memorial Stand at the Headquarters of the 29 Battalion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event, which held on 8 June 2026, saw the Army reaffirm its commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel serving in the South-South region.

During the commissioning ceremony, Major General Emekah stressed that sound administration and improved living conditions are central to the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. He stated that providing decent accommodation is critical for boosting troops’ morale and ensuring operational effectiveness as they confront contemporary security challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The GOC commended Lieutenant Colonel Irinam Otogo, Commanding Officer of the 29 Battalion, for demonstrating leadership by executing projects targeted at raising living standards for soldiers under his command. According to Emekah, such investments are necessary to maintain a highly motivated and combat-ready force. “Welfare of our troops is not just a routine; it is an ongoing priority that ensures our men remain focused and ready to defend national interests,” he said at the event.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a Heroes Memorial Stand in honour of officers and men who lost their lives in service. While the Nigerian Army did not disclose casualty figures during the event, Emekah emphasised that remembering fallen heroes is vital for building esprit de corps among serving personnel.

As at press time, representatives from civil society groups were not present at the occasion and opposition parties have yet to comment on the development. The Army has indicated that further barracks renovation projects are planned across key formations in Rivers and neighbouring states under ongoing welfare initiatives led by Army headquarters.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/army-reaffirms-commitment-to-troops-welfare-honours-fallen-heroes/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

ISWAP Bomb Expert and Senior Commander Surrender to Nigerian Army in Borno

Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region

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June 11, 2026

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Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region

A senior bomb expert and top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian military authorities in Borno State, officials announced on Thursday. The development comes as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by the armed forces in the North-East.

According to security sources, the ISWAP operatives turned themselves in to troops stationed in Borno, where military operations have been intensified against insurgent hideouts. The surrender reportedly took place earlier this week, though the army did not disclose specific details about the identities of the former militants or the exact location for operational reasons.

The surrender of a bomb specialist and a senior field commander is considered significant by security analysts, given ISWAP’s reputation for deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and carrying out coordinated attacks on both civilian and military targets. The North-East, particularly Borno State, has been at the centre of the over a decade-long insurgency that has displaced millions and caused thousands of deaths.

Military officials welcomed the development as evidence that sustained pressure on ISWAP camps is yielding results. “Our intensified operations are forcing many terrorists to reconsider their position,” an official said, urging other insurgents to lay down their arms. There was no immediate response from ISWAP or independent verification from local authorities.

Security experts say such high-profile defections could weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity in the region, but warn that continued vigilance is needed. The military has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace across affected communities, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies as clearance operations continue.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886913-iswap-bomb-expert-senior-commander-surrender-to-nigerian-military-official.html

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