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Fresh controversy has emerged in the alleged N250 million debt dispute involving the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as a lawyer representing one of the complainants claimed the minister is indebted to more than 20 women.
The claim comes amid an ongoing public dispute triggered by a viral video shared by activist Omoyele Sowore, who detailed an encounter at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command headquarters in Abuja.
Responding in a statement dated February 25, 2026, Umahi’s media office said the video circulated by Sowore was an attempt to “publicly confront and provoke” the minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.
According to the statement, the allegations referenced in the video were made by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public domain since last year. The claims reportedly include alleged assault and unpaid campaign-related materials, which were said to have been repeatedly circulated on social media platforms.
The minister’s aide stated that the allegations were inconsistent and contradictory, adding that this had been widely observed by members of the public who had followed the matter over time.
Addressing concerns over the minister’s presence at the police command, the statement rejected suggestions that Umahi used law enforcement agencies to pursue a personal issue. It maintained that the Nigeria Police Force acted within its constitutional mandate after receiving a petition from the minister’s lawyer.
According to the statement, the complainant was arrested following the petition, while the minister was invited to provide a statement as part of standard investigative procedure.
The media office further accused Sowore of attempting to “dramatize” what it described as a lawful process, characterising his actions as “performative activism” aimed at drawing public attention rather than establishing facts.
It added that Umahi declined to engage in what it termed theatrics and calmly disengaged from the situation.
“The matter remains under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome,” the statement said.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, due process, and the rule of law, stressing that he would remain focused on his official duties, including the delivery of critical infrastructure projects nationwide.
As of press time, police authorities have not issued a separate statement clarifying the status of the investigation.
