Women Groups Defend Minister Umahi Against Allegations

On March 1, 2026, various women-led advocacy organizations in Abuja expressed their support for Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, amidst allegations concerning a $24.5 million transaction dating back to 2015. The groups, including the Women Justice Initiative and the Coalition of Patriotic Nigerian Women, emphasized that any claims should be substantiated in court rather than through public discourse.

Dr. Amina Yusuf, representing the coalition, criticized the lack of documentary evidence supporting the allegations made by Traci Nichola Ohiri, highlighting that legitimate transactions typically leave a clear paper trail.

Yusuf pointed out the absence of contracts, invoices, or formal legal actions following the alleged transaction, questioning the credibility of the claims. Hajia Halimat Bello and Folak Adeyemi echoed these sentiments, stressing that emotional narratives should not overshadow legal standards.

The organizations collectively called for a focus on due process and the presumption of innocence, urging Nigerians to refrain from trial by social media.