Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, on Friday visited a businesswoman who reportedly collapsed while in police custody after making allegations against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The woman, identified as Tracy Ohiri, was said to have slumped at a police facility in Abuja and was subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
Her collapse has since sparked public concern over her welfare and the circumstances surrounding her detention.
Ohiri had earlier accused Minister Umahi of owing her payment in connection with campaign-related services, claims the minister has denied. Umahi stated that the police acted on a formal petition submitted by his legal team and not on any personal directive.
Senator Kingibe’s visit aimed to check on Ohiri’s condition and underscore the importance of due process and human rights in the handling of the matter. The visit comes amid growing national attention and social media discourse on the case.
In a video trending on social media, Senator Kingibe is seen assuring the businesswoman that she was going to take the issue up herself and ensure that she gets justice. Kingibe also said that she will reach out to Umahi with all the documents that the victim will share to her, so as to take a position on the matter.
The controversy gained further attention after activist Omoyele Sowore confronted Umahi publicly over the dispute in a viral video, fueling calls for accountability and transparency in conflicts involving public officials.
Police authorities have not released a detailed statement regarding the circumstances of Ohiri’s collapse, though investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Civil society groups and concerned citizens have urged that the matter be handled with fairness, emphasizing the protection of individuals’ rights during legal proceedings.
As of Friday evening, Ohiri was reported to be receiving treatment, while calls continue for an independent review of her detention and the events that led to her hospitalization.
