Umahi, Ohiri Face Off as ₦280 Million Debt Dispute Heads to Court

A fresh controversy has erupted involving Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, and businesswoman Tracy Ohiri, as both parties prepare for a legal showdown over allegations of an unpaid ₦280 million debt.

The dispute, which has played out publicly over the past few weeks, centers on claims by Ohiri that the former Ebonyi State governor owes her money for campaign materials allegedly supplied during his tenure as a political figure. Her initial accusations gained widespread attention on social media, where she not only claimed financial indebtedness but also made allegations of sexual harassment against the minister.

Following the viral nature of the claims, the situation appeared to take a different turn. Ohiri was reportedly arrested and faced legal pressure, prompting intervention from her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar. This intervention led to the deletion of her earlier posts and a public apology in which she withdrew her allegations against Umahi.

However, the matter did not end there. Days later, Ohiri resurfaced with a new video, claiming that her earlier retraction had been made under duress. She alleged that she had been coerced into apologizing and was promised financial compensation that was never fulfilled. Additionally, she accused her own lawyer of pressuring her into withdrawing her claims, further complicating the narrative.

In response, Umahi, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaz, firmly denied all allegations. The minister maintained that he does not owe Ohiri any money and insisted that the issue must be resolved through proper legal channels. According to the statement, Umahi had earlier provided two clear options for resolving the matter: either Ohiri should take the case to court or present verifiable evidence—such as contracts, communications, or transaction records—to support her claims.

One of the most striking aspects of the minister’s response is the assertion that some of his associates were willing to raise up to ₦1 billion if Ohiri could produce credible evidence proving the alleged debt. This offer, according to Umahi, still stands, but he emphasized that no such evidence has been presented so far.

“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 read.

Umahi also defended the role of Abubakar, describing the lawyer’s earlier involvement as a good-faith effort to amicably resolve the dispute. He denied that any financial agreement was reached during that process and rejected claims that Ohiri had been deceived or pressured into her earlier apology.

The minister further stated that while he initially exercised restraint in responding to the allegations, the persistence of the claims has now made legal action necessary. He stressed that the court remains the appropriate platform to determine the truth and protect his reputation.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Umahi reiterated his commitment to his official duties, noting that he would not allow the matter to distract him from his responsibilities in overseeing infrastructure development across the country.

The unfolding legal battle highlights broader issues surrounding public accusations, reputational damage, and the role of evidence in disputes involving high-profile individuals. As the case moves to court, both parties will be expected to substantiate their claims with verifiable proof.

For now, the situation remains unresolved, with public opinion divided and many awaiting the court’s verdict to establish the facts.