Odita Sunday 
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and constitute an independent investigative panel over allegations levelled against him by a businesswoman, Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, HURIWA warned that the escalating dispute now drawing national attention raises serious concerns about possible abuse of power and the perception of compromised law enforcement processes.
Ohiri has publicly alleged that Umahi owes her ₦250 million for promotional materials supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State.
She has released photographs, video recordings, and chat messages which she claims show direct dealings with the minister and evidence of transactions. Among the materials featured in the widely circulated clips are exercise books and table clocks bearing Umahi’s image.
The minister has firmly denied owing any debt and dismissed allegations of inappropriate conduct as unfounded.
The controversy intensified after Ohiri was reportedly arrested in Lagos on allegations of cyberbullying and later transferred to Abuja, where she was arraigned before a Magistrate Court and granted bail.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore subsequently publicised a confrontation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja relating to the case, amplifying public scrutiny.
While affirming that the minister remains constitutionally presumed innocent until proven otherwise, HURIWA argued that the gravity of the accusations touching on alleged financial transactions, sexual harassment claims, and the use of police processes against an accuser demands an investigative mechanism demonstrably independent of political influence.
The association expressed particular concern over the reported involvement of Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede in aspects of the matter, noting that his past public controversies heighten sensitivity in politically exposed cases.
Although it acknowledged that none of the previous allegations against the officer resulted in any known criminal conviction, HURIWA maintained that public confidence requires the highest standards of neutrality.
“It is not a declaration of guilt,” the group stated, “but a necessary safeguard of institutional credibility. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
Anchoring its position on Sections 15(5), 17(2)(a), and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution,
HURIWA argued that the State is obligated to abolish corrupt practices, guarantee equality before the law, and ensure fair hearing by an impartial tribunal.
According to the group, these constitutional safeguards are especially critical when allegations involve a serving cabinet member.
HURIWA proposed that an independent panel comprising forensic experts, civil society representatives, and retired judicial officers be established to examine digital materials, financial records, and testimonies from named associates.
It stressed that reliance solely on internal police processes may not sufficiently address public concerns.
The group further urged President Tinubu to place the minister on temporary suspension or administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe, insisting that such a move would not amount to a presumption of guilt but would demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability.
Concluding its statement, signed by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA warned that the integrity of the police and the credibility of the executive arm are both at stake.
“Nigeria’s democracy can only deepen when powerful office holders submit to scrutiny under the same standards applicable to ordinary citizens,” the association stated.
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