Businesswoman Claims Coercion in Retracting Allegations

Ohiri, a businesswoman, alleges she was promised $70,000 to retract claims against Umahi, including accusations of sexual harassment and intimidation during the 2015 Ebonyi State governorship campaign. She claims that lawyer Marshal Abubakar coerced her into making a retraction video, threatening her with arrest and public shame if she did not comply.

Ohiri reported this conduct to the Nigerian Bar Association, describing it as unethical. Despite her claims, Abubakar denies any coercion and asserts that no formal agreement was signed regarding payment.

Ohiri was arrested in Lagos for alleged cyberbullying linked to social media posts and was subsequently charged with defamation in a magistrate court in Wuse, where she was granted bail. Activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the police's actions, framing the situation as a civil dispute rather than a criminal matter.

Ohiri insists that she was promised financial settlement which was never fulfilled, while Abubakar maintains that there is no evidence supporting her claims.