Aguocha Denies Palliative Rice Diversion Allegation, Threatens Legal Action Over Viral Video

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in  the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has denied allegations that he diverted and sold two truckloads of rice provided by the Federal Government for distribution to his constituents, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

Aguocha, in a statement dated October 21, 2026, said the allegations were contained in a viral video featuring one Charles Ogbonna, which began circulating on social media on October 20.

The lawmaker maintained that neither he nor anyone acting on his instructions diverted or sold any federal food palliatives allocated to his constituency.

According to him, all food relief items allocated to the constituency were distributed to beneficiaries across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South through what he described as transparent and verifiable community-based channels.

He subsequently threatened legal action against Charles Ogbonna, Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, popularly known as Ikukufied, and other individuals he accused of participating in the alleged campaign to damage his reputation.

Aguocha alleged that the accusations were part of a coordinated campaign intended to undermine his political standing and distract his constituents from his legislative activities.

He attributed the alleged campaign to a deterioration in his relationship with Ogbonna, claiming that he had previously cautioned him against making what he described as unfounded allegations against Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The lawmaker also alleged that individuals opposed to his anticipated re-election in 2027 were exploiting the controversy to discredit him.

He cited his victory in the 2023 general election, which he said was secured with a margin of more than 20,000 votes, expressing confidence in his chances of securing another mandate.
Aguocha further linked the controversy to ongoing legal proceedings involving former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, and his son, Chinedum Orji.

He alleged that the timing of the video was intended to divert public attention from court proceedings scheduled for October 21 in Umuahia. However, the claims concerning the motives of those involved and the connection between the video and the court proceedings were not independently verified.

The lawmaker said his legal team was compiling digital evidence, recorded transmissions, bank records and publication trails in preparation for possible legal proceedings against those he accused of spreading the allegations
.
He cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024, alongside relevant provisions of Nigerian criminal law, arguing that the dissemination of knowingly false allegations through electronic platforms could attract legal consequences.

Aguocha also accused those behind the alleged campaign of attempting to provoke public anger and hostility against him by suggesting that food assistance intended for economically vulnerable constituents had been diverted.

He warned that such allegations, if false, could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in the distribution of government relief materials.

The lawmaker said he intended to pursue the matter through appropriate legal and judicial channels, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable if the allegations of unlawful conduct were established.

Addressing residents of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, Aguocha urged his constituents to remain calm and exercise caution in their assessment of the viral claims.
He maintained that the allegations would not distract him from his commitment to constituency development, transparency and accountability.

The federal lawmaker also expressed confidence in his political future ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring his intention to continue representing the constituency.

He reiterated that his commitment to serving the people remained firm despite what he described as attempts to damage his reputation through sponsored propaganda.

Signed:
Hon. Obi Aguocha
Member, House of Representatives Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.