Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has alleged what he described as undue pressure and interference by security officials during the arraignment of a businesswoman, Tracy Nicolas Ohiri, at the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court following a dispute involving Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement posted on social media, sighted by Securitynewsalert.com, Sowore said the events at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the court over the past 24 hours reflected “a troubling display of roguish power, undue pressure, and then resistance by a critical mass of activists around.”
According to him, the matter began with a dispute between Umahi and Ohiri, who accused the minister of owing her N250 million and allegedly making advances toward her while she attempted to recover the money through legitimate means.
Sowore said, “Following events at the FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, during which I confronted Mr Umahi, it became clear that what had at first appeared to be a simple complaint had evolved into a larger operation involving senior police officers acting under ministerial pressure.”
Ohiri was later arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ope Ibrahim on allegations of defaming the minister. Sowore said she pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court subsequently considered arguments on bail.
“Despite strong opposition from the police prosecutor, the court granted her bail, stating clearly that the law did not permit her continued detention under the guise of continuous ‘investigation,’” he said.
He added that two sureties were requested and that supporters stepped forward to process the bail documentation. However, Sowore alleged that attempts were made to block Ohiri’s release.
According to him, intelligence suggested that Akin Fakorede, who heads the IGP Monitoring Unit, had mobilised a legal team to obstruct the process. “The prosecution returned to the magistrate seeking a remand warrant on the claim that bail conditions could not be met; this was false,” Sowore claimed.
He further alleged that correctional officers were called to transfer Ohiri to a custodial facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, a move that sparked protests from members of the Take It Back Movement and other supporters present in court.
Sowore said tensions rose when armed mobile police officers arrived at the court premises, but were later withdrawn after he contacted the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
“I made it clear that we won’t stand for further reckless police connivances to violate the rights of Nigerians,” he said, adding that the police presence at the courtroom was subsequently reduced.
Despite the standoff, Sowore said activists and supporters were able to prevent Ohiri’s immediate transfer to Keffi, allowing arrangements for her to remain closer to the court to complete bail formalities.
He noted that there were reports magistrates might not sit the following day due to renovation work at the court complex, but expressed optimism that the bail process would be concluded soon.
“Efforts will continue to ensure that Mrs. Ohiri completes her bail process and reunites with her family,” Sowore stated. #https://securitynewsalert.com/
