Ukwuani Chairman Clears the Air on Detained Councillor Facing Cybercrime Charges Over Live TV Remarks

The Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Barrister Chiamaka Solomon Possible Ajede, has strongly dismissed viral claims on social media alleging that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ordered the unlawful arrest or removal of a serving local government councillor.

Addressing the controversy, Ajede clarified that the councillor’s detention is the direct result of an ongoing criminal case instituted by the Nigeria Police Force following allegations of defamatory and inflammatory statements.

The legal action traces back to a live television broadcast aired on June 21, 2026, during which the councillor, identified in court documents as Chukwuemeka Victor Kenneth, made explosive claims alleging that the council chairman was mismanaging local funds to cover up financial irregularities involving former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside other allegations involving family payouts and a High Court judge.

Following formal complaints, the police investigated the broadcast and filed charges before the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba. According to the charge sheet, the Inspector-General of Police is listed as the complainant, while the defendant faces prosecution under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cyber-Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amended) Act, 2024, for allegedly intending to incite a breakdown of law and order within the state and the local government area.

Ajede noted that when the charge was read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty, and a bail application was subsequently moved by his legal counsel. However, the presiding judge requested that the video recording of the controversial broadcast be played in court before ruling on the bail request, resulting in an adjournment that left the councillor in temporary custody pending the next hearing.

“Sheriff did not imprison him,” Ajede stated emphatically, dismissing rumors of executive overreach. He maintained that the judicial process is running its course independently of the state executive arm.

Providing further context on the councillor’s political status, the council chairman clarified that he has not been sacked from office. “He is still a sitting councillor,” Ajede noted, explaining that any current absence from legislative duties is the result of an independent suspension handed down by his fellow councillors for violating the local legislature’s code of conduct.