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Releases Video of Telephone Conversation with Lawyer
- Safiu Kehinde
Traceynither Ohiri, the Nigerian businesswoman who accused the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, of N205 million debt, has called out her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, over unfulfilled settlement after retracting her allegations against the Minister.
NPO Reported that Ohiri had earlier this month made a shocking video of her retracting all her allegations and apologised to the former Ebonyi state governor.
The development brought abrupt end to the weeklong saga which led to protest against Umahi at the Ministry of Works while also reviving the case of the NELAN engineers who went missing under his administration in Ebonyi state.
While the activists and other members of the public who stood in solidarity with her are still recovering from the shock and disappointment, Ohiri would on Thursday resurfaced to call out Abubakar, the lawyer assigned to her case.
The businesswoman alleged that she was pressured by Abubakar to make the scripted disclaimer video with the assurance of getting her money back.
“Barrister Marshal where is m money? You gave me a script Marshall. You forced me to do this video.
“Every time you keep threatening me that if I did not do this video, you will take your hands off the case.
“You said the person told you he is willing to pay and compensate me for even arresting and body shaming me in public.
“Marshall where is my money? If you want me to ruin my personality and integrity, is it for $70,000?
“You threatened me that you will go all out and come for me and ensure I’m locked up. That is what you, Marshall said.” She said.
Ohiri further accused the lawyer of releasing the video without her consent and with her money still be being held.
She also alleged that the lawyer warned her against informing anyone, including human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, of her plan to retract the statement.
“How did you release the video without me collecting my money? I gave you the video in confidence.
“You said I should trust you and release my video to you. You told me that I will receive my payment before you release the video.
“You can’t use me, Marshall. Where is my money? Marshall is this agreement? I have to my lawyers and Nigerians, Marshall said no.
“Okay, let me talk to Sowore. He said no that if anybody hears about it, he will pull out his hands.
“Marshall what was your interest and motive? You have ruined my name and integrity. You have messed me up. Now you are threatening my life.” She said.
The businesswoman called for the intervention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and support of members of the public while releasing a recorded conversation between her and the lawyer.
As heard in the clip, Marshall assured Traceynither of getting her money as soon as she makes the retraction video.
“He however sounded upset and threatened to withdraw from the case following the businesswoman’s repeated pleas for her to see the agreement he signed with Umahi.
“He has called me and asked how far. Do this thing. He has already signed and messaged me. Those messages are enough already. I’m a lawyer and I’ve told you there is no problem.
“I have spoken with him, and he has sent messages and I have seen what he sent.
“He swore by his mother’s grave that this night he is going to give you the money.
“That’s what he has promised. If you don’t want the money, just talk and let me tell him. I’m not going to be involved in this matter again at all.” The lawyer said in the telephone conversation.
Meanwhile, the development had sparked mixed reactions from members of the public and netizens with some turning their back against Traceynither while others accused the lawyer of compromise.