Umahi Moves To Court As Ohiri Revives Allegations

The minister of works, David Umahi, has directed his legal team to commence full court proceedings against Tracy Ohiri following her renewed allegations of indebtedness and misconduct against him.

Ohiri had earlier accused the former Ebonyi State governor of owing her N280 million for campaign materials allegedly supplied during his tenure as a party chairman. She also made claims of sexual harassment in a viral video that circulated widely on social media.

The matter initially took a legal turn, leading to Ohiri’s arrest and prosecution by security agencies over the allegations. However, her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, later intervened, prompting her to delete the posts and issue a public apology, withdrawing all claims against the minister.

Despite this, Ohiri reportedly resumed her allegations days after the intervention.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his senior special assistant on media, Francis Nwaz, Umahi said he had earlier communicated clear conditions for resolving the dispute during discussions with Abubakar. These included either allowing the matter to be decided in court or providing verifiable evidence—such as communication logs and records—to support her claims.

According to the minister, some of his associates had even expressed willingness to raise up to N1 billion for Ohiri if she could substantiate her allegations with credible proof—an offer he said remains unmet.

“The Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri provides verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims,” the statement said.

Umahi also defended Abubakar’s role in the matter, describing his intervention as selfless and undertaken in good faith, with no financial negotiations or inducements involved.

“Barrister Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point,” the statement added.

Following Ohiri’s alleged failure to provide evidence, the minister said he has now instructed his legal team to proceed with all necessary court processes to establish the truth.

He further noted that he had previously chosen to remain silent despite repeated public accusations, emphasizing that his restraint was driven by a desire to focus on governance and national service.

While expressing appreciation to Nigerians who have followed the matter closely, Umahi suggested that public perception is shifting as more facts emerge.

“There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to his duties, insisting that the controversy would not distract him from delivering on the mandate of the Ministry of Works.

“The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development,” he stated.