A fresh layer of controversy has surfaced in the ongoing dispute involving Tracy Nither Ohiri and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as the claimant has now accused her own legal representative of misconduct and betrayal.
In a strongly worded Instagram post, Ohiri alleged that her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, misrepresented a financial agreement and acted against her interests while handling the high-profile case.
She challenged public reports suggesting a ₦25 million settlement, insisting instead that the agreement involved a significantly higher figure of ₦305,550,000. According to her, the amount was intended to cover the alleged debt along with compensation for “all the stress and intimidation” she endured.
“MARSHALL ABUBAKAR WHAT WAS THE AGREEMENT REACHED ON MY PAYMENT WHEN YOU BROUGHT THE SCRIPT?” she wrote, raising concerns about the credibility of the process and her lawyer’s role in it.
Ohiri further alleged that her lawyer had earlier maintained that no video evidence connected to the case would be released until full payment was made, implying that the material was meant to serve as leverage in securing the agreed sum.
“HOW CAN YOU LIE ABOUT N25 MILLION WHEN YOU CLEARLY STATED THAT IF HE DID NOT MAKE THE FULL PAYMENT OF N305,550,000 WITH COMPENSATION FOR ALL THE STRESS & INTIMIDATION THAT YOU WOULD NOT BE RELEASING THE VIDEO,” she stated.
She also hinted at a possible compromise, questioning, “AT WHAT POINT DID YOU RENEGE? AT WHAT POINT WERE YOU COMPROMISED…?”—a statement that has intensified speculation about internal disagreements within her legal team.
Continuing her criticism, Ohiri accused her lawyer of attempting to deceive her and made it clear she would not tolerate manipulation. “DO I LOOK TO YOU LIKE A BABY THAT YOU CAN DECEIVE OR USE?” she queried.
In the same post, she called on the Nigerian Bar Association and tagged prominent legal figures, including Afam Osigwe and Femi Falana, in what appears to be a request for intervention or investigation.
She also referenced activist Omoyele Sowore, warning that the situation could damage the credibility of those who “speak truth to power.”
The dispute initially focused on allegations of unpaid financial obligations and misconduct against Umahi—claims the minister has consistently denied. However, with Ohiri now directing serious accusations at her own counsel, the matter has taken a more complicated turn, raising new concerns about how the case is being handled and the credibility of those involved.
As of the time of filing this report, Abubakar and the other individuals or organisations mentioned have yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
What you should know
This development shifts the focus of the controversy from a dispute between Ohiri and the Minister of Works to internal conflict within her legal team.
Allegations of misrepresentation and compromise against a lawyer raise serious ethical questions that could attract scrutiny from the Nigerian Bar Association. If investigated, the outcome could affect not just the case but also the credibility of those involved.
The absence of official responses leaves the situation unresolved, increasing public speculation and uncertainty around the claims.
