Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed his legal team to commence fresh lawsuits against businesswoman Tracy Ohiri following what he described as her failure to produce credible evidence to support her claims—further escalating the dispute between both parties.
Umahi disclosed the directive in a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
The minister said the decision was prompted by prolonged public debate on the matter and what he described as the need to establish the facts through appropriate legal processes.
In the statement, Umahi also defended Marshall Abubakar, a lawyer associated with the case, saying Abubakar’s involvement was well-intentioned and aimed at facilitating an amicable resolution of the disagreement.
“His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably,” the statement said.
Umahi further emphasized that Abubakar “at no point” negotiated or discussed any payment with Ohiri.
The minister said two conditions had earlier been set as possible pathways to resolving the dispute: either a court determination, or the presentation of verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications.
He said those conditions were not met, adding that Ohiri was unable to provide credible supporting materials—leading to the decision to pursue legal action.
Umahi also noted that while some associates may have been willing to contribute up to **N1 billion** if convincing evidence was provided, he said he is still awaiting such proof.
The statement maintained that Abubakar “neither requested nor received any money” from Umahi and acted throughout with “utmost decency and integrity.”
Addressing his earlier silence, Umahi said he refrained from responding publicly despite repeated provocations in order to concentrate on his official responsibilities, but argued that recent developments made a response necessary.
He concluded by thanking Nigerians who have followed the issue, saying public narratives sometimes do not fully reflect the realities on the ground.
