“I was forced to make that video” — Tracy Ohiri alleges coercion after retracting claims against Umahi

A businesswoman, Tracy Ohiri, has alleged that she was pressured into retracting her earlier claims against the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, raising fresh controversy over the circumstances surrounding her public apology.

Retraction sparks new claims

Ohiri had earlier withdrawn allegations of sexual harassment and unpaid contract claims against the minister in a video statement, apologising for any embarrassment caused.

However, in a new development, she claimed the retraction was not made willingly.

“I haven’t been paid my full money yet. Minister Dave Umahi used my lawyer… to trick me into making the retraction video to clear him,” she alleged.

She further claimed there was an agreement that she would be paid before the video was released.

“The agreement was that once I made it, I would be paid before it was released to the public, but instead, they released it without my consent and without paying me,” she said, appealing to Nigerians for support.

Initial apology and withdrawal

In her earlier statement, Ohiri had said she decided to retract the allegations after consultations with her family, friends, and legal team.

“I apologise to Engineer Dave Umahi for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family,” she stated.

She also clarified that there was no formal contract agreement and suggested that materials she produced may have been used without the minister’s knowledge.

Public reactions and ongoing debate

The conflicting statements have generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the credibility of both claims and the broader implications for accountability and justice.

“You all can laugh and mock me all you want… it is me today and it can still be you tomorrow,” Ohiri said, as the controversy continues to unfold.