Barrister Marshal Abubakar has reacted to allegations made against him by businesswoman Tracy Ohiri, following controversy surrounding a reported $70,000 payment linked to Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement released on Friday, Abubakar dismissed Ohiri’s accusations as false, insisting that he was among the individuals who initially helped mobilize activists and public figures to support her when she faced legal trouble.
According to him, several prominent voices — including Ireti Kingibe, activist Martins Vincent Otse, and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore — were contacted to intervene in the matter to ensure that state power was not used to suppress free speech.
Abubakar claimed their intervention helped secure Ohiri’s bail and prevented her from being remanded in prison, stating that he personally led a team of activist lawyers who argued her case in court.
He further revealed that efforts were made to mediate between Ohiri and the Minister of Works. According to him, Senator Kingibe attempted to broker peace, but Umahi maintained that he did not owe Ohiri any money unless she could prove that a contractual agreement existed between them.
Abubakar said he later explained the situation to Ohiri, presenting her with two options — pursue the matter in court or consider a settlement. He claimed that during his review of the case, there was no evidence of a formal contract, no proof that the minister had engaged her for any work, and no documentation showing delivery of goods allegedly supplied to Umahi.
He also disclosed that the minister had already filed legal actions against Ohiri in Ebonyi State, adding that she expressed fear about facing the case there and indicated willingness to explore a peaceful resolution.
The lawyer said a subsequent meeting involving Umahi’s representatives, including senior lawyer Abdul SAN and Barrister Joseph Ekumankama, as well as Senator Kingibe, Ohiri and her husband, ended without agreement after tensions escalated.
Abubakar alleged that Ohiri later contacted him again seeking help and eventually agreed to retract her allegations after admitting she had no evidence to support her claims, provided the legal cases against her were withdrawn.
