Umahi Denies Allegations as Court Grants Bail to Accuser

Minister of Works David Umahi has formally denied allegations that he deployed the Nigeria Police Force to intimidate businesswoman Mrs. Tracy Nicolas Ohiri over a disputed campaign debt.

In a statement signed by his senior special assistant on media, Francis Nwaze, the minister described Ohiri’s claims as inconsistent and lacking coherence, insisting that police acted independently on a legal petition rather than at his directive.

Ohiri had alleged she was arrested in Lagos, flown to Abuja, and detained after demanding payment of approximately ₦250 million for promotional services rendered during Umahi’s 2015 Ebonyi State governorship campaign.

She further claimed that at the police station, Umahi denied knowing her despite her presentation of photographs, chat logs, and call records—evidence she says an officer dismissed as potentially AI-generated.

As legal proceedings unfolded, Ohiri was arraigned on defamation charges before a magistrate’s court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. The court subsequently granted her bail for one million naira, allowing her freedom pending further proceedings despite reported objections from prosecutors.

The case has sparked public debate regarding the criminalization of civil debt disputes and the use of state institutions in private conflicts. Legal experts have emphasized the importance of due process and proper forensic verification of digital evidence.

The Nigeria Police Force continues its investigation, with a comprehensive report expected for submission to judicial authorities. Ohiri’s legal team intends to pursue the defamation charges while seeking a resolution of the underlying civil claim through appropriate legal channels.

Minister Umahi’s office has reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and declined further commentary, stating the minister will not be distracted by what his aides describe as calculated provocations.