Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied using the police to settle harass and settle a personal vendetta with a businesswoman, Mrs. Tracynither Ohiri.
In a statement on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Media, Francis Nwaze, stated that the police acted on a petition by Umahi’s lawyer, as part of their constitutional mandate.
The businesswoman in a trending video on social media had alleged that Umahi owed her ₦250 million for campaign materials.
Mrs. Ohiri further claimed that she was arrested by the police and detained in Abuja after refusing to date the minister.
In the video, activist Omoyele Sowore confronted Umahi at the FCT Police Headquarters, accusing him of using the police to settle a personal vendetta.
However, Nwaze, in the statement, maintained that the allegations made by Mrs. Ohiri, which Sowore is pushing, are inconsistent and lack coherence.
“The police investigation is ongoing, and the minister respects due process and didn’t misuse police authority.”
He described Sowore’s video as a “staged attempt to provoke” Umahi, accusing him of “performative activism.
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Umahi’s media aide added that the allegations made by Mrs. Ohiri have been in the public space since 2025, disclosing that the claims of alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials have been repeatedly published through social media videos and posts.
“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.
“Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score.
“The police, acting within their constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the minister’s lawyer, arrested her, and invited the minister in line with standard procedure for statements.
“Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.
“The minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.
“As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.
“Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance.
“It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias.
“The minister of works remains fully committed to transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
“He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations,” the statement stated.
