By Trendsetter Tribune 
Activist and lawyer Chief Maxwell C. Opara Ph.D. has publicly accused the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, of misusing government security apparatus to intimidate a Nigerian citizen, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, over an alleged civil debt dispute.
Confrontation at the Police Command
The allegations stem from an incident where Mrs. Ohiri was detained following accusations that she cyberbullied the Minister regarding a N250 million debt she claims he has owed her for 12 years, along with allegations of soliciting sexual favors.
- Activist Intervention: Rights activist Omoyele Sowore confronted Minister Umahi at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command regarding the arrest and detention of Mrs. Ohiri.
- Minister’s Response: Minister Umahi, through his media office, has dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. He stated that the police were acting within their mandate to investigate a petition submitted by his lawyer and denied deploying security agencies to settle personal scores.
- Release of Mrs. Ohiri: FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe confirmed the release of Mrs. Ohiri on Friday, February 27, 2026, after intervening in the case, noting that the constituent was unwell and required hospitalization.
Calls for Accountability
Chief Opara has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to ensure that public officials refrain from using government resources to pursue personal conflicts and to uphold the rule of law. He also encouraged civil society organizations to remain vigilant against the misuse of public power for personal gain.
Well, I lost my sister, who was living with me in Abuja. While I was in the village for the funeral, I received several calls from worthy comrades informing me that Mr. Dave Umahi (the Minister of Works) was misbehaving by using the Government security apparatus to settle… https://t.co/60YlLAPQif pic.twitter.com/yX5F5Y8LnB
— Kiu tv (@KizyUzoma) February 28, 2026