Umahi to sue Tracy Ohiri over alleged 280m campaign materials allegation

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has ordered his legal team to proceed with all necessary court processes against Mrs. Tracy Ohiri following her persistent allegations of debt and sexual harassment. Ohiri had previously claimed the Minister owed her N280 million for campaign materials, a narrative she broadcasted across social media. Although she initially retracted these claims and issued a public apology following her arrest and legal intervention, she has recently resumed the accusations.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Minister’s aide, Francis Nwaz, clarified that the Minister had offered a significant challenge during previous mediation efforts. Umahi noted that if Ohiri could provide verifiable evidence, logs, and communications to prove her claims, his associates were prepared to pay her N1 billion. To date, no such evidence has been presented, prompting the Minister to seek a final legal resolution to establish the truth.

The statement also defended the integrity of Ohiri’s lawyer, Barrister Marshall Abubakar, who had attempted to resolve the matter amicably. The Minister’s office emphasized that Abubakar acted selflessly and never requested or received any funds from the Minister. Regarding the mediation, the statement noted: “At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her.”

Minister Umahi maintained that he had remained silent for years despite persistent provocations to focus on national service, but the lack of evidence has forced his hand. The statement clarified his position: “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 Minister expressed gratitude to the public for scrutinizing the facts of the case, suggesting that the narrative of victimhood in this instance is a deliberate inversion of the truth. He remains firm that the legal path is now the only way forward, stating: “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.”

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Umahi insisted that he would not be deterred from his primary duties in infrastructure development. He reaffirmed his dedication to the Ministry’s mandate, concluding: “The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.”