A dramatic war of words has erupted between legal practitioner Barrister Marshal Abubakar and Ms. Tracy Ohiri, as the lawyer publicly refuted allegations linking him to a controversial $70,000 payment allegedly tied to the Minister of Works.
In a statement released on Thursday, Barrister Marshal described Ohiri’s claims as “falsehoods” and “deliberate misrepresentation,” insisting he merely acted as a mediator in a heated dispute—not a beneficiary of any financial arrangement.
Marshal recounted his role as a frontline advocate in Ohiri’s legal ordeal, claiming he mobilized prominent activists and public figures, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, social commentator VeryDarkMan, and activist Omoyele Sowore, to ensure she was not unjustly detained.
According to him, the intervention of activist lawyers, which he led, secured Ohiri’s bail amid what he described as “a calculated attempt to silence free speech.”
“On no account should state apparatus be deployed to gag free expression,” he stated, defending his involvement.
Clash With Minister Umahi: ‘No Evidence, No Payment’
Providing insight into the root of the dispute, Marshal revealed that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had firmly denied owing Ohiri any money, maintaining that no contractual agreement existed between them.
Marshal said efforts at mediation exposed significant gaps in Ohiri’s claims, including:
Lack of documented contract
No proof of engagement by the minister
No evidence of delivery of alleged services or goods
He added that the minister had already initiated legal actions in Ebonyi State and was prepared to pursue the matter to its conclusion unless credible evidence was presented.
The $70,000 Twist: “A Peace Gesture, Not Payment”
Central to the controversy is the $70,000 sum, which Marshal clarified was not compensation from the Minister of Works, but a goodwill gesture arranged through Barrister Joseph Ekumankama.
“It was given strictly to foster peace and not as admission of liability,” Marshal explained.
He maintained that he neither requested nor retained any portion of the funds, emphasizing his long-standing principle of avoiding financial entanglements in mediation processes.
Breakdown of Talks and Rising Tensions
Marshal painted a picture of failed negotiations, alleging that Ohiri’s conduct during a crucial meeting derailed settlement efforts.
He claimed she resorted to insults and outbursts, leading to a deadlock. However, following the collapse of talks, Ohiri reportedly sought reconciliation and agreed to withdraw her claims after admitting she lacked evidence—on the condition that legal actions against her be dropped.
Fresh Allegations and Legal Threats
The lawyer further alleged that Ohiri later demanded a staggering ₦300 million, threatening to tarnish his reputation if her demands were not met.
“She promised to drag my name online unless I paid,” he said, describing the move as coercive and unjust.
Marshal expressed disappointment, likening the situation to “helping a scorpion only to be stung,” and hinted at imminent legal action against Ohiri.
