Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has accused the police of deliberately obstructing the court-ordered release of businesswoman Tracy Nicolas Ohiri, who was arrested in a financial dispute involving Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a video that went viral on Thursday, Sowore alleged that despite a Magistrate Court ruling in Ohiri’s favour at Wuse 6, Abuja, police officers prevented court staff from signing her release warrant.
Alleged Arrest Over Civil Dispute
Sowore has repeatedly criticised both the police and Minister Umahi, describing Ohiri’s arrest, detention, and arraignment as illegal. According to him, the case—centered on a N250 million debt Ohiri claims Umahi owes her—was a civil matter that the police escalated into a criminal issue.
“Her alleged offence was accusing David Umahi of owing her N250 million for over 12 years—a claim that, at its core, is a civil dispute. Rather than treat the matter as such, the police escalated it into a criminal spectacle,” Sowore said.
Ohiri was reportedly arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and transferred to Abuja.
Courtroom Drama and Alleged Interference
On Thursday morning, chaos unfolded at Wuse 6 Magistrate Court as Ohiri and human rights activists condemned her arrest in court. Sowore claimed that police officers attempted to prevent court staff from signing the release warrant by bringing in a vehicle to intimidate officials.
“The police brought a vehicle and tried to drive away all the court officials to prevent them from signing the release warrant. We are currently at the Magistrate Court in Wuse 2,” Sowore said.
Sowore also alleged confronting Minister Umahi at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja, claiming police operatives had “set up shop to harass” Ohiri over a financial dispute and alleged inappropriate advances.
As of the time of reporting, the release warrant had still not been signed. Attempts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment were unsuccessful.
