A businesswoman, Mrs. Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, has levelled serious allegations against Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, accusing him of sexual harassment, intimidation, unlawful detention, and failure to pay for campaign promotional materials she claims to have supplied.
Ohiri made the claims publicly in Abuja on Thursday, stating that her business relationship with the former Ebonyi State governor began before his election as governor. According to her, she was contracted to produce corporate gift items for campaign activities after submitting presentations and quotations.
She alleged that despite requesting mobilisation funds to begin production, she was persuaded to proceed without upfront payment. Ohiri said she financed the project using personal savings and loans, including money set aside for her children’s school fees.
Detailing an alleged incident during a business trip to Ebonyi State, Ohiri claimed that Umahi entered her hotel room wearing only a towel and made advances toward her. She said she immediately left the room and sought refuge with a hotel staff member, where she reportedly spent the night.
The minister has denied the allegations. In a statement responding to the claims and related commentary by activist Omoyele Sowore, Umahi’s camp described the narrative being circulated as misleading.
According to the statement, the minister did not use the police to pursue any personal grievance. It said the Nigeria Police Force acted on a petition filed by Umahi’s legal representative and carried out its duties within constitutional provisions.
The statement further maintained that Ohiri was arrested following the petition and that the minister was invited in accordance with standard investigative procedures. It accused Sowore of attempting to dramatise the matter for public attention, characterising his actions as performative activism.
The minister’s representatives added that Umahi chose not to engage in public theatrics and would allow the ongoing police investigation to determine the facts of the case.
Authorities have indicated that the matter remains under investigation.
