A Nigerian woman has alleged that she was unlawfully arrested and detained by police after accusing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of owing her money.
The woman, identified as Tracy Nither Nicolas Ohiri, was arrested in Lagos on allegations of cyberbullying and later flown to Abuja, where she was detained at the Federal Capital Territory command of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to those present during her detention, Mrs Ohiri’s complaint centres on a claim that Mr Umahi has owed her ₦250 million for more than 12 years.
She has also alleged that the minister made inappropriate advances towards her in the past. Mr Umahi has not publicly responded to these claims.
Supporters of Mrs Ohiri argue that the matter is essentially a civil dispute over an alleged debt and should not have been treated as a criminal case.
They say the police escalated the issue by arresting and detaining her rather than advising both parties to seek redress through the courts.
It is further alleged that while Mrs Ohiri was in custody, police officers facilitated a meeting inside the command headquarters where Mr Umahi was brought in.
Witnesses claim the minister confronted and intimidated her within the police facility. They say the meeting was abruptly ended when legal representatives and observers arrived, after which the minister left the premises visibly angry.
Following his departure, police reportedly refused to grant Mrs Ohiri bail or release her. Those supporting her allege that officers later suggested the minister had instructed that she should “not see anything” before leaving the command, a phrase commonly interpreted as an order to keep her in detention.
The police have not issued an official statement on the incident, and it remains unclear why a civil debt claim was handled as a criminal matter.
