Court Dismisses Defamation Suit Against Businesswoman

On February 26, 2026, a magistrate court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, struck out a defamation suit against a businesswoman concerning allegations made against Umahi. The case was filed by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on behalf of the Minister of Works.

Prosecutor Wisdom Patrick informed the court of the decision to discontinue the matter, citing Section 108 of the Administrative Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Magistrate Ibraheem Op granted the application to strike the case, discharging the defendant along with her sureties.

The case stemmed from allegations made by the businesswoman, who accused Umahi of unlawful detention and harassment after she allegedly rejected advances. During the proceedings, defense counsel K.

Musa noted the absence of the defendant due to bereavement and submitted a formal letter to the court. Activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the handling of the case, describing it as a misuse of the legal process and highlighting that the dispute between Umahi and the businesswoman should have been resolved outside of court.