Court to Arraign Minister Umahi's Accuser, Ohiri, for Alleged Cyberstalking

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 29 for the arraignment of Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing accusations of cyberstalking the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho postponed the proceedings after the prosecution, represented by Wisdom Madaki, requested a brief adjournment. The delay was attributed to the need to serve the defendant, who was not present in court.

This is not the first time the court has considered striking out the case. On April 16, the judge had indicated he might dismiss the charges due to the prosecution's inability to present Ms. Ohiri for arraignment.

On Friday, neither Ms. Ohiri nor her legal representative appeared in court. Mr. Madaki informed the court that despite the scheduled arraignment, attempts to serve the charge sheet and hearing notice on the defendant had been unsuccessful.

Justice Omotosho questioned the prosecution's efforts, stating, "What effort have you made? Don't just come to tell me you have made all your efforts. You cannot abandon your case here."

Mr. Madaki explained that the police's Investigating Police Officer and his team had traveled to Lagos on April 20 to attempt service. However, he reported that they were unable to locate Ms. Ohiri, finding her door locked, and had spent three days in Lagos.

Following this explanation, the judge set the new arraignment date for April 29.

Charges Filed

The police have formally charged Ms. Ohiri with 13 counts related to cyberstalking and defamation of Mr. Umahi. These charges were submitted by Mr. Madaki from the Directorate of Legal Services at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Specifically, the first count alleges that on or around October 16, 2023, Ms. Ohiri transmitted a video on her TikTok account accusing the minister of threatening to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. The prosecution asserts this statement was false, menacing, and likely to incite fear and damage the minister's reputation, violating Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act.

Another charge, count three, claims that on or about March 8, 2024, she posted a TikTok video alleging that Mr. Umahi victimized her for rejecting sexual advances and misusing his position to oppress women.

Count four alleges that on May 3, 2024, she posted on social media that Mr. Umahi had held her business capital for 10 years due to her refusal of alleged sexual advances.

Furthermore, count six accuses her of publishing a statement on Sahara Reporters and circulating it on social media on March 28, 2025, falsely claiming Mr. Umahi owed her over N200 million for campaign materials.

Count seven reiterates this claim, alleging she stated the non-payment was retaliation for rejecting sexual advances, knowing it to be false and intended to harm his reputation.

In count eight, Ms. Ohiri is accused of posting a Facebook video on February 26, stating that Mr. Umahi threatened her life and her safety, referencing an incident involving NELAN Engineers.

Count 10 charges her with causing these publications to be widely shared across social media platforms, intending to generate hatred, ill will, and damage Mr. Umahi's reputation.

Background to the Dispute

The conflict between Ms. Ohiri and Mr. Umahi reportedly originated from the businesswoman's claim that the minister owes her N250 million for promotional and printing services provided during his 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. Ms. Ohiri alleged that her demands for payment were ignored, leading to alleged advances from the minister, which she rejected, escalating into threats and police intervention.

Ms. Ohiri was subsequently apprehended in Lagos based on allegations of cyberbullying stemming from her social media posts concerning the dispute. She was then transferred to Abuja and held at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command. Following this, she was brought before a magistrate's court in Wuse, Abuja, on a defamation charge and was granted bail.

The case attracted significant public attention after activist Omoyele Sowore questioned Mr. Umahi at the police headquarters about what he termed the criminalization of a civil dispute.

Despite Mr. Umahi's denials, Ms. Ohiri later released a video retracting her allegations and apologizing to the minister and his family, reportedly after consultations with her relatives, friends, and legal advisors.

The matter resurfaced when Ms. Ohiri accused her lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of a lack of transparency and mishandling the case. She alleged she was pressured to retract her claims and that a promised financial settlement was not provided before she issued her retraction.

Mr. Abubakar, however, refuted these claims. He stated that Ms. Ohiri agreed to withdraw her allegations after failing to provide evidence of any contractual agreement with Mr. Umahi. He further explained that she was offered options to continue the legal dispute or seek a settlement and chose the latter.

He also clarified that a third party provided $70,000 as a gesture of peace, not as compensation or an admission of guilt. Mr. Abubakar indicated he was contemplating legal action against Ms. Ohiri for what he described as false accusations and damage to his reputation.