Amanze Chinonye
Tension flared on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court following the arraignment of businesswoman Tracy Nicolas Ohiri in an escalating dispute involving the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, Prime Business Africa reports.
Ohiri was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ope Ibrahim on a charge of defamation linked to her public allegations that the minister owes her between ₦250 million and ₦304 million for building and campaign promotional materials supplied over a decade ago. She pleaded not guilty.
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After hearing arguments, the court granted her bail, ruling that she could not be held indefinitely under the guise of ongoing investigation. The magistrate ordered her release upon meeting bail conditions, including the provision of two sureties.
However, proceedings were disrupted when the prosecution reportedly returned to seek a remand order, claiming bail conditions had not been met. Activist Omoyele Sowore, who was present in court, alleged that senior officers attached to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit attempted to frustrate her release.
READ ALSO : Sowore Confronts Minister Umahi Over Woman’s Arrest in Abuja Debt Dispute
Correctional officers were subsequently called to take Ohiri into custody for transfer to a facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, triggering protests from supporters at the court premises. Tensions rose further with the arrival of armed mobile police officers.
Sowore said he contacted the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over what he described as efforts to override the court’s bail ruling. The police presence at the courtroom was later reduced, and Ohiri was not immediately transferred out of Abuja.
Supporters alleged that her case file temporarily went missing from the court registry during the bail process, raising concerns of administrative interference. Court officials did not publicly comment on the claim.
In a statement earlier, Umahi’s media office denied deploying police to intimidate the businesswoman, stating that law enforcement action followed a petition filed by his legal representatives. The minister’s camp described Ohiri’s allegations as inconsistent and maintained that the matter is under investigation.
Ohiri has also publicly alleged that the minister made unwanted advances toward her while she pursued payment claims he has denied.
As of press time, bail documentation had not been fully concluded.
As of press time, bail documentation had not been fully concluded. Ultimately, resistance from supporters prevented Ohiri’s immediate transfer to the Keffi custodial facility.
Arrangements were instead made to keep her within closer proximity to the magistrates’ court to enable the completion of bail formalities at the earliest opportunity on Friday.
There were indications that court sittings may be affected by ongoing renovation work at the complex.
The underlying debt claim has not been determined by a civil court. The police have yet to issue a detailed independent account of the events surrounding the attempted remand application.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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