Umahi Sues Tracy Ohiri Over Alleged N250m+ Debt Claims Amid Retraction Drama and $70,000 Payment Dispute"

 

Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has ordered his legal team to initiate court proceedings against businesswoman Mrs Tracy (Tracyniter Nicholas) Ohiri following her persistent public accusations that he owes her N280 million for campaign materials supplied during his 2015 governorship bid in Ebonyi State.

Ohiri had earlier taken to social media and viral videos to allege that the minister was indebted to her for promotional and printing services rendered over a decade ago when he served as party chairman. She also levelled claims of sexual harassment against him. The accusations sparked widespread public debate, leading to her arrest and prosecution by security agencies at the time.

Her lawyer, Barrister Marshall Abubakar, subsequently intervened, resulting in Ohiri deleting the incriminating posts and releasing a public apology video in which she withdrew all allegations against the minister. However, days later, she resumed her claims, prompting fresh controversy and counter-accusations, including recent videos targeting her own lawyer.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister clarified that Barrister Abubakar acted in good faith and out of a selfless desire to assist Ohiri in resolving the matter amicably. The statement stressed that Abubakar neither negotiated nor received any payment from Umahi.

“Some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her,” the statement read.

Umahi outlined two clear conditions for any resolution: the matter must either be settled in court or Ohiri must provide verifiable evidence, including complete logs, communications, and records from the period in question. He further revealed that he had indicated to Abubakar that friends and associates were prepared to contribute up to N1 billion if credible proof was presented — a gesture that remains unclaimed due to the absence of such evidence.

“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 added.

The minister noted that he had deliberately maintained silence for years despite repeated provocations, choosing instead to focus on national service and infrastructure development. Recent developments, however, necessitated a public response to set the records straight.

Umahi expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have critically examined the facts, adding that growing public awareness shows “not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one.”

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to his mandate at the Ministry of Works, declaring that the dispute would not distract him from delivering critical road projects aimed at improving connectivity, economic growth, and national development.

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

The case is now set to be determined in court, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their evidence before a judge.