Cyberstalking Case: Court Schedules Arraignment of Umahi Accuser

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29 for the arraignment of Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation linked to allegations against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, sought additional time to serve the defendant, who was not present in court.

Madaki told the court that efforts to serve Ohiri with the charge and hearing notice had not been successful. He said police investigators travelled to Lagos on April 20 in an attempt to locate her but were unable to meet her, adding that her residence was reportedly locked during the visit.

The judge questioned the prosecution’s efforts and stressed that the case could not continue without proper service on the defendant. Following the explanation, he granted the adjournment and fixed April 29 for arraignment.

The Nigeria Police have filed 13 counts against Ohiri, accusing her of transmitting and circulating allegedly false and damaging statements about Umahi across social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and online news outlets.

Among the allegations is that she claimed the minister threatened her life, victimised her for refusing sexual advances, and owed her over N200 million for campaign-related services. The prosecution also alleges she made additional claims of intimidation and unpaid debts linked to political engagements.

The charges further state that the publications were capable of causing fear, public disorder, and reputational damage, in violation of provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

The case stems from a long-running dispute in which Ohiri has alleged that Umahi owed her about N250 million for promotional and printing services tied to his 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She has also accused him of intimidation following disagreements over payment, allegations the minister has denied.

The matter previously gained public attention after her arrest in Lagos over social media posts related to the dispute. She was later transferred to Abuja, arraigned before a magistrate court on defamation-related charges, and granted bail.

The controversy deepened after she issued a video retracting her claims and apologising to Umahi and his family, but later accused her legal representative of pressuring her into the withdrawal, a claim the lawyer has denied.

The case is expected to return to court on April 29 for the commencement of arraignment proceedings.