Businesswoman Accuses Works Minister David Umahi of Harassment and Unpaid Campaign Debt

A businesswoman, Mrs Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, has accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, of sexual harassment, threats, intimidation, and refusing to pay money she said he owes her for campaign items she supplied.

Ohiri spoke in Abuja on Thursday. She said her business relationship with Umahi started before he became Governor of Ebonyi State. According to her, she was asked to produce corporate gift items for campaign use after she made presentations and submitted price quotes.

She said she asked for mobilisation money to start the job, but she was told to go ahead. Ohiri claimed she paid for production using her savings and loans, including money meant for her children’s school fees.

Ohiri also alleged that during a business trip to Ebonyi, Umahi came into her hotel room wearing only a towel and tried to make advances toward her. She said she ran out and spent the night in another room.

She claimed she later delivered the items to his residence and said his family and staff were present. She also said she paid for the transport herself, but was not refunded for logistics and was not paid for the goods.

Ohiri said the original debt was N25.4 million, and she claimed it later grew to N304 million with interest after a long delay. She also claimed that each time she asked for her money, the minister continued to make personal advances, and when she refused, she started receiving threats.

She alleged that after she planned to protest at Government House over the unpaid money, she received warnings not to do it. She also claimed that security officers later arrested her at her home and took her to Abuja.

Ohiri said that during police questioning, Umahi denied knowing her, but she claimed she showed photographs and other materials to challenge that denial.

Ohiri is now facing a court case at a magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, after an incident involving Umahi and activist Omoyele Sowore at the FCT Police Command on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Supporters linked to Sowore were also reported to be at the court in solidarity with her.

Umahi has denied sending the police after her. In a statement signed by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the minister said her story is not clear and contains contradictions. He said the police acted on a petition from his lawyer and followed normal legal steps. He also said the matter is still under police investigation and will be decided based on facts.