The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the growing controversy involving the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and businesswoman Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri.
The association warned that the manner in which the allegations are being addressed has sparked serious concerns about possible abuse of authority and the integrity of law enforcement procedures.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that Ohiri has publicly claimed that Umahi is indebted to her in the sum of ₦250 million for promotional materials allegedly supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State.
“She has released photographs, video recordings, and chat messages which she claims demonstrate that she had direct dealings with the minister and that transactions occurred.
Among the materials shown in widely circulated clips are exercise books and table clocks bearing Umahi’s image.” The minister, however, has rejected the allegations, denying both the debt claim and accusations of misconduct, and maintaining that the assertions are baseless.
The controversy deepened following Ohiri’s reported arrest in Lagos over allegations of cyberbullying.
She was subsequently transferred to Abuja, arraigned before a Magistrate Court, and granted bail.
The situation gained further public traction after activist Omoyele Sowore shared details of a confrontation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja connected to the case.
Reacting to developments, HURIWA emphasized that although the minister is presumed innocent under the law, the seriousness of the claims and the direct involvement of security agencies necessitate a probe that is clearly insulated from political interference.
According to the group, allegations concerning financial dealings, sexual harassment, and the alleged deployment of police machinery against an accuser require more than a routine investigation, especially when a serving cabinet member is involved.
Particular concern was raised over the reported role of Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede in the matter.
“Fakorede, a senior officer who previously served in Rivers State and currently heads a high-level police monitoring unit, has in the past been the subject of public controversies and petitions. In 2017, the Rivers State Government publicly petitioned federal authorities over alleged excesses by a police unit under his command at the time.
“Those allegations were strongly denied by the Nigeria Police Force, which maintained that its operations were lawful and professional. In more recent years, media reports have also referenced petitions by private investors who alleged bias in certain property-related police actions linked to units under his supervision”, HURIWA recalled.
While acknowledging that none of the previous allegations resulted in any publicly known criminal conviction against the officer, the association maintained that recurring controversies surrounding his name heighten public apprehension when he is linked to politically sensitive investigations. HURIWA clarified that its position does not imply guilt but seeks to safeguard public trust in state institutions.
It stressed that where a senior public official is accused by a private citizen and the investigation is led by officers previously associated with public disputes, perceptions of partiality may arise.
The group grounded its call on constitutional provisions, citing Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which directs the State to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power, as well as Section 17(2)(a) on equality before the law. It also referenced Section 36(1), which guarantees the right to a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal, arguing that justice must not only be done but must be visibly seen to be done, particularly in cases involving political authority.
HURIWA further stated that if the minister insists he had no dealings with Ohiri, a comprehensive forensic review of digital evidence, financial documents, and testimonies from identified associates would clarify the situation. It proposed that such an inquiry be conducted by a panel made up of independent forensic specialists, civil society representatives, and retired judicial officers, rather than relying solely on internal police mechanisms.
Reiterating that allegations circulating in the public space should not be mistaken for proven facts, the association nonetheless maintained that the President bears both constitutional and moral obligations to protect public institutions from reputational harm. It therefore recommended that the minister step aside temporarily or proceed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation, noting that such action would reflect a commitment to transparency rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
HURIWA concluded that democratic accountability requires public office holders to submit to the same level of scrutiny expected of ordinary citizens, warning that both the credibility of the police and the integrity of the executive arm of government are implicated in the resolution of the dispute.
