Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered his legal team to commence full court action against Tracy Ohiri over renewed allegations that he owes her up to ₦280 million, insisting the claims must now be proven with credible evidence or resolved through the judiciary.
The directive marks a turning point in a dispute that has moved from social media accusations to a formal legal confrontation, following months of claims and counterclaims between both parties. Ohiri had alleged that Umahi owed her for campaign materials supplied during his time as a party chairman, taking her claims public in viral videos that also included accusations of sexual harassment. The minister has consistently denied both allegations.
The situation escalated when security agencies arrested and prosecuted Ohiri over the claims, after which her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, intervened in the matter. That intervention led to Ohiri deleting her posts and issuing a public apology, which also gained widespread attention online. However, days after the resolution effort, she returned to social media and resumed her allegations, bringing the dispute back into public focus.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaz, Umahi said he had made his position clear during earlier engagements, stressing that the matter could only be resolved either through verifiable proof or a judicial process. According to him, “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.”
Umahi further revealed that during the intervention led by Marshall Abubakar, he indicated that if Ohiri could present complete evidence, including logs and communications from the period in question, some of his associates were willing to contribute a total of ₦1 billion to settle the matter. That condition, he said, has not been met. “The Minister is still waiting for the above,” the statement noted, reinforcing his position that no credible proof has been provided to support the allegations.
The minister also addressed the role of Abubakar, dismissing claims that the lawyer acted improperly or negotiated any payment on his behalf. He stated that “Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri,” adding that his involvement was “entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably.” He further clarified that at no point did the lawyer request or receive any money from him.
Despite attempts at an out-of-court resolution, Umahi said the failure to provide verifiable evidence has made legal action unavoidable. “Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established,” the statement said.
The dispute has also drawn attention due to the shifting nature of the claims, which have evolved over time in both value and scope, as well as the retraction and subsequent reversal of the allegations. Ohiri’s return to the claims after issuing a public apology has been central to the minister’s decision to pursue a judicial resolution.
Umahi noted that he had deliberately avoided responding publicly to the allegations for a prolonged period, choosing instead to focus on his responsibilities in office. “For several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions,” the statement said. He added, however, that recent developments made it necessary to address the matter directly.
The minister also suggested that public perception of the case is beginning to shift, stating that 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.” This remark reflects his broader position that the allegations against him are unfounded and should be tested under the scrutiny of the law.
While the controversy has continued to trend across social media platforms, Umahi maintained that he remains focused on his duties as Minister of Works. He emphasised that the ongoing dispute would not distract him from delivering on infrastructure and development priorities tied to his office. “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.
With legal proceedings now set to begin, the case is expected to shift fully from the court of public opinion to the judicial system, where both the allegations and the responses will be examined based on evidence, documentation and established legal standards.
