Ex-Abia Deputy Chairman Denies Reports of Imprisonment in London Over Drug, Fraud Allegations

Former Deputy Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, Mkpa Oju Uka, has denied widespread reports claiming he is serving time in a London prison for drug trafficking and mortgage fraud.

Uka, who relocated from Lomé, Togo, to the United Kingdom in 1999, described the allegations as “a smear campaign orchestrated by political enemies” bent on tarnishing his image.

Speaking on Wednesday, the ex-local government official clarified that he has lived in the UK for over two decades, working in legitimate roles — including with a used clothing company and in retail shops — to support his family.

He explained that the controversy originated in 2017 when the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) contacted him over a court freezing order on his properties. According to him, the development was linked to an investigation into certain mortgage brokers accused of falsifying documents, not personal wrongdoing on his part.

“The NCA investigated mortgage brokers who handled my applications. Unfortunately, all their clients, including myself, were drawn into the review,” he said.

Uka added that while the court granted a summary judgment on the mortgage documentation issues, it dismissed every claim connecting him or his family to drug trafficking or criminal conduct due to lack of evidence.

“At no point was I arrested, detained, charged, or imprisoned,” he stated firmly.

He reiterated his commitment to maintaining his integrity and urged the public to disregard what he called politically motivated falsehoods.