Umahi: I’m Not A Debt Collector, I Told Tracy Ohiri, I’m Not Interested In How She Gets Paid – Sowore

Umahi: I’m Not A Debt Collector, I Told Tracy Ohiri, I’m Not Interested In How She Gets Paid – Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has explained his involvement in the dispute between businesswoman Tracy Ohiri and Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stressing that his role was never about recovering any alleged debt.

In a video shared by SYMFONI TV, Sowore clarified that he made it clear to Ohiri that he was “not a debt collector” and that how she would eventually receive payment was “not [his] concern.” His primary worry, he said, was the use of government authority in what was essentially a personal matter.

Sowore criticized the authorities for bringing a woman from Lagos to Abuja over the dispute, especially amid severe security challenges, including banditry and kidnappings around the capital. He highlighted the disproportionate attention given to Ohiri, who had only used a ring light to record herself requesting the money she believed she was owed, while serious national security issues were ongoing.

He further alleged that the minister was present during the woman’s questioning, which involved police officers, and suggested that this represented an abuse of power. Sowore and others arrived at the scene during the interrogation. He said that upon noticing their presence, Umahi appeared to try avoiding them and proposed a private meeting. Sowore rejected the idea, insisting that the matter was already public and required transparency.

In describing his position, Sowore emphasized, “I’m not a debt collector, I told her I’m not interested in how she gets paid.” He reiterated that his concern was ensuring that government resources and authority were not misused to intimidate or confront an individual over a personal financial matter.

The incident has drawn attention to questions about the appropriate use of governmental power and the treatment of citizens in financial disputes. Sowore’s intervention, he explained, was motivated by principle, not by any financial interest in Ohiri’s claim.