The Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Barrister Chiamaka Solomon Possible Ajede, has denied claims that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ordered the arrest or removal of a serving councillor.
Ajede clarified while reacting to a trending social media video alleging that the Delta State Government had imprisoned the councillor and removed him from office.
According to Ajede, the councillor, identified in court documents as Chukwuemeka Victor Kenneth ‘M’, remains a sitting councillor and is currently in custody in connection with a criminal case filed by the police.
The chairman also said the councillor had been suspended by his colleagues over alleged violations of the council’s code of conduct.
Ajede said the case followed allegations arising from statements the councillor allegedly made during a live television programme on June 21, 2026.
According to the chairman, the councillor allegedly accused the local government of using council funds to settle alleged financial issues involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and to make alleged payments to members of the chairman’s family.
Ajede said the allegations were reported to the police, which investigated the matter before charging the councillor before the Federal High Court in Asaba.
The charge sheet lists the Inspector-General of Police as the complainant and Chukwuemeka Victor Kenneth ‘M’ as the defendant.
The prosecution alleged that statements attributed to the defendant during the broadcast were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order in Delta State, particularly within Ukwuani Local Government Council.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant made claims concerning the use of council funds, alleged payments to members of the chairman’s family and an allegation involving a High Court judge.
The charge states that the alleged conduct amounted to an offence under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cyber-Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amended) Act, 2024.
Ajede said the councillor pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him and subsequently applied for bail.
He explained that the court requested that the video containing the alleged statements be played before determining the bail application.
The matter was subsequently adjourned for further hearing, according to Ajede, leaving the councillor in custody pending the court’s decision.
Rejecting the claim that the governor ordered the councillor’s detention, Ajede said, “Sheriff did not imprison him.”
He maintained that the councillor’s detention was connected to the criminal case before the court and not an order from the governor.
Ajede also denied that the councillor had been removed from office.
“He is still a sitting councillor,” he said, adding that the councillor’s suspension was imposed by his fellow councillors.
