The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi has denied allegations that he deployed policemen against Mrs Tracy Ohiri to resolve a disagreement over unpaid campaign materials.
Umahi described the claims as inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence—a position widely noted by members of the public who have followed the matter. The minister’s office clarified the situation in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, obtained on Thursday.
According to the statement, the police, acting within their constitutional mandate to maintain law and order, responded to a petition submitted by the minister’s lawyer. Ohiri was subsequently arrested, and Umahi was invited for questioning, all in accordance with standard procedure.
“The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities,” the statement read.
“For clarity and public record, the allegations referenced by Mr Sowore were made by Mrs Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, which relate to alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings. It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time.”
The minister’s office emphasised that contrary to the narrative being circulated, Umahi did not deploy the police to settle any personal score. “The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate, acted on a petition submitted by the minister’s lawyer, arrested her, and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements,” the statement said.
The office also criticised Sowore’s public confrontation, describing it as “performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.” Umahi, it added, “declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged. As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.”
The controversy stems from a viral video shared on Wednesday, showing Sowore confronting Umahi over Ohiri’s allegations of assault and non-payment for campaign materials. In the footage, Umahi appeared composed and refused to engage in a prolonged exchange, while Sowore framed the encounter as a demand for accountability.
The video has generated mixed reactions online, with supporters of both sides offering contrasting interpretations. Meanwhile, the police continue their investigation into the matter.
