Abuja, March 4, 2026 – A group of protesters on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, calling on Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to address longstanding allegations of unpaid debts and related grievances. The demonstration, which drew significant public attention, centered on claims by businesswoman Tracy Nicolas Ohiri (also referred to as Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri or Tracy Nither Nicolas Ohiri), who has accused the minister of owing her approximately ₦250 million (with some reports citing figures up to ₦304 million including interest) for services rendered, particularly campaign materials supplied during his 2014 governorship bid in Ebonyi State.
The protesters, some donning protective gear in anticipation of potential tear gas deployment by security forces, chanted slogans including “David Umahi, leave married women alone” and demands for the minister to settle the alleged debt. They criticized what they described as the misuse of state power to intimidate critics, linking the protest directly to Ms. Ohiri's case. The demonstration unfolded amid heightened tensions following Ms. Ohiri's arrest, detention, arraignment on defamation charges, and subsequent health complications that led to her hospitalization.
The dispute traces back to claims that Ms. Ohiri, a businesswoman involved in producing promotional and campaign materials, supplied items worth an initial ₦25.4 million for Umahi's successful Ebonyi governorship campaign over a decade ago. She alleges that despite repeated demands—intensifying after a one-year-and-eight-month wait post-election—the payment was never made, accruing to over ₦250 million with interest. In viral videos and public statements, Ms. Ohiri further accused the minister of making unwanted advances, harassment, and intimidation when she refused such overtures and pressed for settlement. She claimed threats followed her earlier intent to protest at the Ebonyi Government House.
The matter escalated dramatically when Ms. Ohiri was arrested in Lagos on allegations of cyberbullying and defamation, flown to Abuja, and detained. She was arraigned before Magistrate Court 7 in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on February 26, 2026, facing charges related to her public accusations. A court granted her bail, but complications arose during the process, including attempts by police to remand her in Keffi Correctional Centre despite bail perfection efforts. This led to her collapsing and being rushed to a hospital in Abuja for treatment, as reported by activist Omoyele Sowore and others.
Human rights advocates, led by Sowore, intervened forcefully. Sowore confronted Minister Umahi at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja, accusing authorities of using criminal processes to handle a civil debt dispute. Sowore described the arrest as an attempt to silence the accuser rather than resolve the issue through civil courts. Other activists, including VeryDarkMan (VDM) and supporters from various civil society groups, joined solidarity protests and resistance actions, framing the case as emblematic of abuse of power, repression, and impunity.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) defended its actions, stating that officers were obstructed by "disgruntled individuals" and civil society actors while attempting to comply with a court remand order pending bail perfection. The Service condemned the interference as unacceptable.
Minister Umahi has denied the allegations, rejecting claims of any debt, harassment, or advances as unfounded and trivial. His media office accused Sowore of staging confrontations and provoking the minister during the police headquarters encounter. Umahi has maintained that he does not owe Ms. Ohiri and suggested the matter is being politicized or misrepresented.
Photos and evidence shared by Ms. Ohiri, including images of campaign souvenirs and past interactions with dignitaries, have circulated widely on social media, fueling public debate. Supporters have rallied online and offline, with calls for dialogue, fair resolution, and protection of citizens' rights against alleged state-backed intimidation.
As of Wednesday's protest, the Federal Ministry of Works had not issued an official comment on the demonstration or the underlying allegations. The incident has reignited discussions on the separation of civil and criminal matters, the role of public officials in private disputes, and safeguards against perceived abuse of office in Nigeria.
The protest reflects growing public frustration over perceived impunity, especially when high-profile figures are involved in personal or financial controversies. With Ms. Ohiri now released on bail and receiving medical care, attention remains on whether the debt claim will proceed through civil litigation or if further probes into the handling of the case will emerge.
Observers note that such public demonstrations and activist interventions highlight the power of social media and civil society in amplifying grievances, though they also raise questions about due process and the potential for politicization of disputes.
The unfolding saga continues to generate widespread commentary across Nigeria, underscoring tensions between accountability, power, and justice in public life.
