Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29, 2026, for the arraignment of Ms Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho set the new date on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested an adjournment to enable proper service of court documents on the defendant, who was absent in court.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, centres on multiple alleged defamatory social media publications said to have been made by Ohiri between 2023 and 2025 on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and online media channels. The charge is registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

At the Friday sitting, neither the defendant nor her legal representative was present. The prosecution told the court that repeated attempts to serve her had failed, prompting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team to travel to Lagos on April 20 to locate her, but were reportedly unable to serve her personally.

Justice Omotosho, while expressing concern over delays, warned that the case could be struck out if arraignment does not proceed promptly. The matter was consequently adjourned to April 29 for arraignment.

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The 13-count charge alleges that Ohiri made false and damaging claims against Umahi, including allegations that he threatened her life, abused his office, and owed her large sums of money.

In one count, she is accused of posting a TikTok video on October 16, 2023, alleging that Umahi threatened to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. Another count references a March 8, 2024 video in which she allegedly accused the minister of victimising her for refusing sexual advances.

The prosecution further alleges that she circulated claims on social media and Sahara Reporters on March 28, 2025, alleging that Umahi owed her over ₦200 million for campaign-related services, an allegation the state says she knew to be false.

Other charges include accusations that she amplified defamatory content with intent to cause public hatred and reputational damage under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The dispute reportedly originated from Ohiri’s claim that she was owed ₦250 million for printing and promotional services linked to Umahi’s 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that unpaid debts later escalated into personal disputes and threats.

The matter has also attracted public attention following her arrest in Lagos and transfer to Abuja, where she was initially arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse and granted bail on related defamation charges.

Civil society voices, including activist Omoyele Sowore, previously criticised the handling of the case, arguing it raises broader concerns about the criminalisation of civil disputes and online speech in Nigeria.

The case also briefly escalated into controversy after Ohiri publicly accused her former lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of mishandling negotiations and pressuring her to withdraw allegations. The lawyer denied wrongdoing, stating that she failed to provide evidence of contractual claims and later voluntarily issued a public apology to Umahi.

With the April 29 date now fixed, the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, where the defendant will take her plea on the multi-count cybercrime charges.

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi