Omoyele Sowore Confronts Minister Dave Umahi Inside Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Over Detained Woman in Abuja

Tension filled a conference hall at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday when rights activist Omoyele Sowore confronted the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the detention of a woman accusing the minister of owing her money.

It wasn’t a quiet exchange. According to video shared by Sowore on his X account, the confrontation happened inside a conference room at the FCT Police Command, where both men came face to face amid a swirl of police officers and aides.

The Allegations at the Center of the Dispute

The controversy revolves around Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri, a married woman who claims Umahi has owed her N250 million for more than 12 years.

Beyond the financial allegation, she also accused the minister of previously making inappropriate advances toward her — claims that add another layer of sensitivity to the dispute.

Instead of being handled as a civil disagreement over debt, Ohiri was arrested in Lagos on allegations of cyberbullying.

She was later flown to Abuja and detained. Police authorities have charged her over online statements relating to the minister.

Sowore has argued that the matter should never have escalated into a criminal case, insisting that if there is a debt dispute, it belongs in a civil court — not inside a police cell.

A Dramatic Moment Caught on Camera

The video shared online shows a tense moment as Ohiri appeared to move toward Umahi before being restrained by individuals in the room.

The minister attempted to leave shortly afterward, but Sowore called out “Minister,” prompting Umahi to briefly turn back and exchange a handshake with him.

It was a short, symbolic moment — but one that quickly made the rounds on social media.

Sowore is heard telling Umahi that he should not use police officers to settle what he described as personal grievances.

Shortly after, the minister’s aides stepped in and escorted him out of the venue.

Sowore’s Public Statement

In his post following the encounter, Sowore alleged that police operatives had “effectively set up shop” for the minister inside the command to harass the woman who accused him.

He maintained that Ohiri’s arrest was unlawful and disproportionate, particularly if the underlying issue concerns a financial claim.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time activist known for challenging government authority, has frequently clashed with security agencies himself.

His involvement in this case adds political weight to what might otherwise have remained a private dispute.

Legal and Political Undercurrents

Cyberbullying laws in Nigeria have increasingly come under scrutiny, especially when public officials are involved.

Critics argue that such laws are sometimes used to silence critics rather than address genuine online harassment.

Dave Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State before becoming Minister of Works, has been a prominent political figure within the ruling establishment.

As Minister, he oversees major infrastructure projects, including federal road rehabilitation and highway expansion initiatives across the country.

The optics of a private accuser being detained — and flown across state lines — have already sparked debate online, with some Nigerians questioning whether due process was followed.

What’s Next?

The immediate focus will likely be on Ohiri’s legal battle.

Her lawyers may challenge the cyberbullying charges or seek bail while arguing that the case is fundamentally civil in nature.

Human rights groups could also weigh in, potentially increasing pressure on law enforcement authorities to justify their actions.

For Umahi, the political implications may linger, particularly if the allegations gain further traction or if additional evidence emerges.

Meanwhile, Sowore’s confrontation has ensured that the case will remain in public conversation.

Whether this unfolds in courtrooms, press conferences, or on social media, it’s clear the matter is far from over.

Summary

Rights activist Omoyele Sowore confronted Minister of Works Dave Umahi at Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja over the detention of Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri.

Ohiri alleges Umahi owes her N250 million for over 12 years and claims he once solicited sexual favours.

She was arrested in Lagos and charged with cyberbullying before being flown to Abuja.

A video shared by Sowore shows a tense exchange inside a conference hall, with Sowore accusing the minister of using police to settle a personal dispute.

The case now raises legal, political, and human rights questions as it moves forward.