Court grants bail to businesswoman accused of defaming Umahi

A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has granted bail in the sum of N1 million to a businesswoman, Mrs. Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, who was arraigned by the police for allegedly defaming the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following a business transaction. Ohiri pleaded not guilty after the charge, contained in the First […]

A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has granted bail in the sum of N1 million to a businesswoman, Mrs. Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, who was arraigned by the police for allegedly defaming the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following a business transaction.

Ohiri pleaded not guilty after the charge, contained in the First Information Report (FIR), was read to her by the court registrar.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ibraheem Ope admitted her to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, argued that his client’s continued detention violated Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights, stressing that no Nigerian should be remanded without the establishment of a prima facie case.

Prosecution counsel, Patrick Wisdom, opposed the bail application, contending that investigations were still ongoing and alleging that the defendant displayed hostility during the investigation.

However, Magistrate Ope held that there was no cogent evidence before the court to justify denying bail, adding that the court would not infringe on the defendant’s constitutional rights.

The matter was adjourned to April 28, 2026, for further hearing.

In a viral video circulated on Wednesday, Ohiri alleged assault and non-payment for campaign materials by the minister.

Another video showed activist Omoyele Sowore confronting Umahi in a public setting over the allegations. The exchange appeared tense, with Sowore accusing the minister of using state institutions to intimidate a private citizen.

Umahi has denied deploying police officers against Ohiri over a campaign debt dispute.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the minister described the allegations as inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence.