Umahi's Media Team Accuses Sowore of Staging Police HQ Confrontation Amidst Ongoing Probe

The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has accused activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore of orchestrating an attempt to provoke the minister during an encounter at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, labelling the incident as a staged spectacle.

In a press statement released on February 25, 2026, and attributed to Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, the ministry acknowledged a widely shared online video depicting Sowore confronting Umahi concerning allegations that are currently under official review.

The statement declared, "The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities."

According to the ministry's statement, the allegations at the heart of the matter were initially brought forward by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri. These claims, which reportedly involve accusations of assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been public knowledge since the previous year.

It further elaborated, "For clarity and public record, the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings."

The media office raised doubts about the consistency of the accuser's statements, noting, "It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time."

Regarding the minister's invitation by the police, the statement asserted that Umahi did not interfere with law enforcement actions, emphasizing that due process was followed after a petition was filed by his legal counsel.

It clarified, "Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score. The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements."

The ministry criticised Sowore's behaviour at the police headquarters as an act seeking attention, stating, "Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth. The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged."

The statement reiterated that the investigations are still in progress and that the outcome will be determined by the relevant law enforcement agencies.

It concluded, "As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome."

While advocating for restraint in public discussions, the media office reaffirmed the minister's dedication to his governmental duties and adherence to institutional procedures.

The statement added, "The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect to the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians. He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations."