Tensions escalated dramatically on Thursday at the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, following the arraignment and subsequent bail grant of Nigerian businesswoman, Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri. Ohiri had been detained earlier on allegations of defaming the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in connection with a business transaction. During her appearance before Magistrate Ibraheem Ope, she pleaded not guilty to the charge as outlined in the First Information Report (FIR).

His Worship Ibraheem Ope admitted Mrs. Ohiri to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that the sureties must possess verifiable residential addresses and provide proof of payment for water or electricity bills, ensuring accountability. Ohiri's defence team, led by Abubakar Marshal, strongly argued for her bail, asserting that pre-investigation detention is prohibited under Nigerian law and that her continued custody violated Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights. Marshal emphasized that no Nigerian should be remanded without the establishment of a prima facie case, and that the alleged offence was bailable under Sections 32(3) and 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He further informed the court that his client had been held in custody beyond the constitutionally permitted 48 hours and assured the court of her commitment not to interfere with investigations and her availability for trial.

Conversely, the prosecution counsel, Patrick Wisdom, opposed the bail application, contending that there were exceptions to the constitutional provisions cited by the defence. He maintained that investigations were still ongoing and alleged that Mrs. Ohiri had exhibited hostility during the investigative process. Despite the prosecution's arguments, Magistrate Ope ruled that there was no cogent evidence before the court to warrant the denial of bail, reaffirming that the court would not infringe upon the defendant’s constitutional rights. The matter was then adjourned to April 28, 2026, for further hearing.

However, the day's events took a dramatic turn almost immediately after the bail conditions were being perfected. Heavily armed police officers from the FCT Command, arriving in a Hilux vehicle, surrounded the court premises in an apparent bid to re-arrest Mrs. Ohiri. It was later gathered by SaharaReporters that the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Akin Fakorede, had reportedly obtained another detention warrant, intending to facilitate Ohiri's transfer to the Keffi Correctional Centre.

The attempted re-arrest sparked outrage among activists and supporters who had gathered at the court in solidarity with Ohiri. They vehemently insisted that she be allowed to regain her freedom in line with the court’s pronouncement, describing the police's actions as a blatant violation of her rights. Fiery human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who served as one of Ohiri's sureties, disclosed that he had contacted the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, urging him to caution the officers involved in the contentious development. The standoff between police officers, activists, and other concerned Nigerians who thronged the court premises continued for an extended period. Although no violence was reported, tensions remained exceptionally high, with supporters resolute in their refusal to leave the premises until Mrs. Ohiri was allowed to depart in accordance with the bail order.