The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has accused activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore of attempting to provoke the minister during an encounter at the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the incident as a staged spectacle.
In a press statement issued on February 25, 2026 and signed by Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Francis Nwaze, the ministry said it had taken note of a video circulating online in which Sowore confronted Umahi over allegations already under investigation.
The statement said, “The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.”
According to the ministry, the allegations referenced by Sowore originated from claims made by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, which have been in the public domain since last year and relate to alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials.
It added, “For clarity and public record, the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings.”
The media office further questioned the credibility of the claims, stating, “It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time.”
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the police invitation, the statement insisted the minister did not influence law enforcement actions, noting that due process was followed after a petition by his legal representative.
It said, “Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score. The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.”
The ministry criticised Sowore’s actions at the police headquarters, describing them as attention seeking, stating, “Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth. The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.”
The statement emphasised that investigations remain ongoing and that conclusions would be determined by law enforcement authorities.
It added, “As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.”
While urging restraint in public commentary, the media office reaffirmed the minister’s commitment to governance responsibilities and institutional processes.
The statement concluded, “The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect to the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians. He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations.”
Rubyjeana Erizia
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