Analyst says magistrate court case was withdrawn over jurisdiction issues, with fresh criminal and civil proceedings now underway in higher courts

Claims that a defamation suit involving the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, was struck out have been challenged, with fresh details indicating that the case was instead withdrawn due to jurisdictional limitations.

Sahara Reporters had published a report that a court struck out a defamation suit against businesswoman Tracy Ohiri, a claim now described as misleading by public affairs analyst Kingsley Chukwudi.

According to Chukwudi, the matter before the Magistrate Court was not dismissed on its merits but was withdrawn by Umahi’s legal team following advice that the court lacked jurisdiction over the criminal elements of the case.

He said the development does not signal the end of legal proceedings but rather a transition to what he described as “more substantive actions” in courts of competent jurisdiction.

Chukwudi disclosed that a 13-count criminal charge has already been filed against Ohiri at the Federal High Court under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The case is listed as Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

In addition, he confirmed that two separate civil suits for defamation have been instituted at the State High Court.

“These proceedings provide the appropriate legal platform for the defendant to present verifiable evidence in support of her allegations, rather than relying on claims made on social media,” he said.

The analyst further argued that portraying the withdrawal as a dismissal that vindicates the defendant undermines public understanding of judicial processes.

He called on the public and media organisations to track developments through the courts, emphasising that outcomes should be determined by evidence rather than “sensational headlines.”

The matter is now before higher courts, where both the criminal and civil aspects are expected to be fully adjudicated.