The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has escalated his dispute with businesswoman Tracy Ohiri, challenging her to provide concrete evidence of an alleged ₦280 million debt in exchange for a ₦1 billion payout from his associates.
Umahi also confirmed that he has directed his legal team to commence court proceedings to resolve the matter, following a fresh wave of allegations by Ohiri.
The controversy began after Ohiri accused the minister on social media of owing her for campaign materials supplied during his time as a party chairman.
The claims, which went viral, were later withdrawn after her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, intervened, leading to a public apology.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Ohiri re-emerged with new claims, alleging she was pressured into retracting her earlier statements and promised payment that never materialised.
In response, Umahi, through a statement by his media aide, insisted that any resolution must be based on verifiable proof.
He maintained that while some well-meaning associates had offered financial support, it was strictly conditional on Ohiri presenting credible evidence, including communication records related to the transaction.
The minister also defended the role of Abubakar, describing his involvement as a sincere attempt to mediate the dispute without any financial inducement.
Reaffirming his position, Umahi stated that the matter would now be left for the courts to determine, stressing that his focus remains on delivering infrastructure projects and national development.
The dispute continues to generate public interest, with both parties holding firmly to their claims as the case appears set for legal resolution.
