Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed allegations that he sexually harassed a businesswoman and failed to pay her for campaign-related expenses, describing the claims as baseless and driven by social media sensationalism.
The accuser, Tracyniter (Tracy) Nicholas Ohiri, was recently arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on a charge of defamation after publicly alleging that Umahi made sexual advances toward her years ago and defaulted on a business agreement. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties. The case has been adjourned for further hearing.
The allegations gained traction online, with viral videos circulating, including footage of former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore confronting Umahi. There were also reports that police attempted to re-arrest Ohiri after she was granted bail.
In a video response, Umahi said his record in public service should speak for itself.
“As party chairman, I owed nobody,” he said. “I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed them. Deputy governor, the same; governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure.”
The former Ebonyi State governor added that he is unfazed by social media commentary.
“What you read on social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger. I have fought many battles, so this is nothing,” he said.
While addressing insinuations about the allegation, Umahi referenced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“There’s nothing wrong to say you are chasing a woman,” he said. “But if it is Natasha that is accusing me of chasing her, then my face will be bolder… not any how person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing him for 12 years. That person must be the Queen of England.”
He added that attention should shift to more pressing national and international issues.
“We can turn our attention to the war in Iran now, and then allow Dave Umahi to rest,” he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier, in February 2025, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her — allegations Akpabio has repeatedly denied. The claims followed a public disagreement between both lawmakers over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.