Delta governor did not remove councilor or arrest him — Ukwauni LGA chairman

The Chairman of Ukwauni Local Government Council, Barrister Chiamaka Solomon Possible Ajede, has dismissed claims that the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, ordered the arrest or removal of a serving councillor, saying the councillor’s detention is a result of criminal proceedings instituted by the Police.

Ajede made the clarification while reacting to a trending video on social media in which it was alleged that the Delta State Government had imprisoned the councillor and removed him from office.

According to the chairman, the councillor, identified in the court process as Chukwuemeka Victor Kenneth ‘M’, remains a sitting councillor but is currently under suspension by his colleagues over alleged contravention of the council’s code of conduct.

He explained that the councillor’s detention followed allegations contained in statements he allegedly made during a live television programme, including claims that the local government chairman was using council funds to offset alleged financial misconduct involving former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and to pay members of his family.

Ajede said the allegations were reported to the police, after which the police investigated and subsequently charged the councillor before the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba.

The charge sheet obtained in connection with the case shows that the Inspector-General of Police is the complainant, while Chukwuemeka Victor Kenneth ‘M’ is the defendant. The charge relates to statements allegedly made during a live broadcast on June 21, 2026, which the prosecution said were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order in Delta State, particularly within the Ukwuani Local Government Council.

The charge further alleges that the defendant made claims concerning the use of Ukwuani Local Government funds, alleged payments to members of the chairman’s family and allegations involving a High Court judge. The document states that the alleged conduct constitutes 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 that an application for bail was subsequently made.

He explained that the court requested that the video containing the alleged statements be played before it could determine the bail application. As a result, the matter was adjourned for further hearing, leaving the councillor in custody pending the court’s decision.

The chairman stressed that “Sheriff did not imprison him”, insisting that the councillor’s detention is a consequence of the ongoing criminal case before the court and not an order by the governor.

He also clarified that the councillor has not been removed from office.

“He is still a sitting councillor,” Ajede said, adding that the councillor was only suspended by his colleagues.