Umahi Breaks Silence on Sowore Confrontation at FCT Police Command

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has provided his account of the viral encounter with activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command headquarters in Abuja, describing the incident as an attempt by Sowore to create a public spectacle.

In a statement issued by his media office on February 25, 2026, Umahi responded to a video circulated by Sowore which captured their exchange at the police station on Tuesday. The minister's aide said the video was deliberately shared to "publicly confront and provoke" the minister over a matter already under police investigation.

The controversy stems from allegations made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiir, which have been in the public domain since last year. The claims, which include alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been circulated repeatedly through social media videos and posts.

According to the statement, these allegations have been inconsistent and contradictory, a fact widely observed by members of the public who have followed the issue over time.

Addressing the circumstances that led to the police appearance, Umahi's media office rejected suggestions that the minister deployed law enforcement to pursue a personal matter. The statement clarified that the Nigeria Police Force acted within its constitutional mandate after receiving a petition from the minister's lawyer.

This standard procedure led to the arrest of the complainant and the subsequent invitation of the minister to make a statement as part of the investigative process.

The media office accused Sowore of attempting to "dramatize" the lawful process by creating a public scene, describing it as part of a pattern of "performative activism" aimed at attracting attention rather than establishing facts.

According to the statement, Umahi declined to engage in what he described as theatrics and calmly disengaged from the situation.

"The matter remains under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome," the statement emphasised.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, due process, and the rule of law. He stressed that he would not allow himself to be distracted from his responsibilities, which include delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country.

The statement was signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media.