A Magistrate Court has granted bail to a businesswoman, Mrs. Ohiri, following allegations of defamation brought against her by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The legal battle, which has recently sparked significant public interest, moved to a new phase as Ohiri pleaded not guilty to the charges during her arraignment.
Presiding Magistrate Ibraheem Ope, after listening to arguments from both sides, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. The Magistrate noted that there was no compelling evidence presented by the prosecution to warrant a denial of bail, emphasizing that the court must uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen.
The defense counsel, Abubakar Marshal, had earlier pushed for his client’s release, arguing that her continued detention was a clear breach of her fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution. He maintained that no Nigerian should be kept in custody without the clear establishment of a prima facie case. On the other hand, the prosecutor, Patrick Wisdom, tried to block the application, claiming that investigations were still active and that the defendant had been uncooperative during questioning.
The controversy stems from a viral video where Ohiri publicly accused the Minister of assault and failing to pay for campaign materials supplied to him. The situation gained even more traction when activist Omoyele Sowore was seen in another video confronting the Minister in public. During that tense exchange, Sowore accused the Minister of using state power to intimidate a private citizen over a personal debt.
However, the Minister has since fired back, categorically denying that he used the police to settle a dispute over campaign debts. In a statement released through his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the Minister dismissed Ohiri’s claims as inconsistent and contradictory. He maintained that the allegations lack any form of coherence and are merely intended to tarnish his reputation.
With the bail conditions now set, the court has adjourned the matter until April 28, 2026, for a full hearing.
