Sowore Confronts Works Minister Umahi Inside FCT Police Command Over Alleged Abuse of Power

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has confronted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command in Abuja over allegations of abuse of power.The confrontation occurred on Wednesday when Sowore intervened in a matter involving the Minister and a woman identified as TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri. The activist challenged Umahi over the alleged use of police resources to settle personal scores.According to Sowore, Ohiri had been arrested in Lagos on allegations of cyberbullying, flown to Abuja, and detained. Her alleged offense was accusing the Minister of owing her N250 million for over 12 years—a claim that represents a civil dispute rather than a criminal matter.During the confrontation, tensions escalated as the Minister's aides engaged Sowore in a shouting match. One aide was heard shouting, "Don't talk to me like that! I am discussing with a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," while another shoved the activist aside.Sowore protested the physical contact, saying, "Don't push me!" The Minister, who initially exchanged handshakes with the activist, later changed his demeanour and muttered inaudible words.In a video posted by Sowore, he explained that police operatives had effectively set up a conference room for the Minister to confront the woman who had accused him. He described how the matter was escalated into a criminal spectacle despite being fundamentally a civil dispute."Rather than treat the matter as such, the police escalated it into a criminal spectacle," Sowore stated. "After unlawfully detaining her, the police facilitated a meeting in which Umahi was brought into the command to threaten, intimidate, and denigrate her inside a police facility until we arrived."The activist reported that once they arrived, the police immediately dismantled the "interview" and Umahi left angrily. According to Sowore, the police subsequently refused to grant Ohiri bail or release her after the Minister's departure.Sowore further alleged that Umahi had promised that the woman "has not seen anything yet," suggesting potential further action against her.The incident raises fresh questions about the use of police power in civil matters and the treatment of citizens who voice grievances against public officials.