ABUJA: Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, remains under public scrutiny over controversies involving businesswoman Tracy Nicolas Ohiri and the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical team attached to his office.
The issues have continued to attract public attention amid questions about accountability, the handling of allegations against public officials and the need for credible investigations into sensitive matters.
The controversies formed part of the broader public discussion surrounding Umahi, including his engagement with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe. However, the specific responses made during the interview must be assessed against the original broadcast to ensure that the minister’s statements are accurately represented.
Ohiri previously accused Umahi of sexual harassment and alleged that he owed her money arising from campaign-related supplies. The minister denied the allegations.
ARISE News reported in March 2026 that Ohiri had retracted her allegations, although recordings of her earlier claims continued to circulate online and fuel public debate.
The controversy also resulted in legal proceedings. Reports published at the time stated that Ohiri had been arraigned on a defamation charge and granted bail.
The allegations, denials and subsequent retraction must be considered in their proper legal context. Claims made publicly do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing, and the status and outcome of any proceedings should be confirmed through reliable court records.
A separate controversy concerns the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical team attached to Umahi, who died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
According to reports by ARISE News, Habila was employed by David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, where she served in the minister’s office.
The circumstances of her death prompted public attention and a police investigation. The Ebonyi State Police Command said it was investigating the incident and maintained that a post-mortem examination was necessary to establish the cause of death.
Habila’s father subsequently filed an affidavit opposing an autopsy and requesting that further police investigation be discontinued, according to an ARISE News report published on July 16, 2026.
The disagreement over the proposed examination raised questions about the balance between the family’s wishes, the handling of the deceased’s remains and the authorities’ responsibility to establish the circumstances surrounding a death that had attracted public concern.
Umahi has denied wrongdoing in connection with the incident and called for an autopsy, according to previous media reports. The minister’s position and the family’s stated wishes should both be accurately represented in any further reporting
The two controversies involve different allegations and circumstances and should not be treated as evidence of one another.
For Umahi, the central challenge is maintaining public confidence through transparent responses and cooperation with lawful investigations. For the affected families and the public, the priority is access to credible evidence, fair proceedings and clear answers.
As a senior public official, Umahi remains subject to legitimate public scrutiny. At the same time, allegations must be distinguished from proven wrongdoing, and every person involved is entitled to due process.
The public interest in these matters extends beyond the individuals concerned. It also encompasses confidence in law enforcement, the administration of justice and the ability of public institutions to handle sensitive allegations impartially.
RapidoSpace News will continue to follow developments in these cases, with particular attention to official investigative findings, court proceedings and verified statements that help clarify the facts.
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