A high-profile controversy involving Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, and businesswoman Tracy Nither Nicolas Ohiri has taken a dramatic turn, with reports that Ohiri collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Abuja.
The incident follows her recent arrest, detention, and court appearance related to allegations she made against the minister.
Ohiri, a married entrepreneur based in Lagos, has publicly accused Umahi of owing her approximately ₦250 million (with some claims stating the figure has grown to over ₦300 million, including interest) for promotional materials and services reportedly supplied during his 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ebonyi State more than 12 years ago.
In viral social media videos posted earlier this month, Ohiri further alleged that the non-payment stemmed from her rejection of unwanted sexual advances by the minister.
She described repeated failed attempts to recover the funds and claimed the dispute escalated into harassment.
Ohiri was arrested in Lagos on charges of cyberbullying and defamation linked to her online accusations. She was subsequently transported to Abuja and detained at the FCT Police Command.
Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore intervened publicly, confronting Umahi at the police facility and describing the matter as a civil debt dispute improperly criminalized through state power.
Court proceedings unfolded rapidly:
Ohiri was arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, where she reportedly made defiant statements during the session, insisting on repayment and declaring she would not be broken.
Despite police objections seeking her remand in custody, the court granted her bail.
Tragically, shortly after these developments—while reportedly being moved or during transfer—she suffered a collapse, attributed by some accounts to a hypertensive episode.
Sowore highlighted the hospitalization in a post on X, labeling it "tragic" and drawing renewed attention to the case.
Umahi has denied personally deploying police against Ohiri or using intimidation, stating through reports that the authorities acted on a formal petition and followed legal procedures for the defamation allegations.
No official statement has been issued regarding her current medical condition or the hospitalization as of this writing.
The episode has ignited widespread public debate on social media about abuse of power, the criminalization of civil disputes, gender dynamics in high-level conflicts, and accountability for public officials.
Activists and commentators continue to call for transparent resolution and protection of citizens' rights in similar cases.
The situation remains fluid, with calls for intervention from higher authorities to ensure justice and Ohiri's well-being.
Watch video of her collapse below









