Umahi replies Sowore over viral video, says matter under police probe
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reacted to a viral video circulated by activist Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a calculated attempt to provoke him over an issue
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reacted to a viral video circulated by activist Omoyele Sowore, describing the development as a calculated attempt to provoke him over an issue currently under police investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the minister said the footage showed Sowore attempting to publicly confront him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over allegations that have been in the public domain since last year.
The statement clarified that the allegations referenced by Sowore were made by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and relate to claims of assault and unpaid campaign materials.
According to the minister’s office, the claims have been repeatedly circulated on social media through videos and written posts.
The media office maintained that the accuser’s accounts were inconsistent and contradictory, a position it said had been widely noted by members of the public who have followed the developments.
It also dismissed suggestions that the minister deployed the Nigeria Police Force to settle personal grievances, insisting that the police acted within their constitutional mandate.
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“The Police 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 statement read.
The minister’s office described Mr. Sowore’s action as a “public spectacle” and accused him of engaging in performative activism aimed at attracting attention rather than pursuing the truth.
It added that the minister declined to engage in what it termed theatrics and instead chose to respect due process.
“As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming the minister’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law, the media office said he would remain focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects and would not be distracted by what it called calculated provocations.
