The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has launched a N3 billion legal battle against media personality Linda Ikeji, her company, Linda Ikeji TV Limited, and the Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Estate Services, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, over alleged defamatory publications.

In a suit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Umahi alleged that the defendants mounted a sustained campaign against him through publications and videos circulated on social media between March 2025 and March 2026. He claimed the materials contained allegations of bribery, corruption, intimidation, sexual depravity, land grabbing, sexual harassment and unfitness for public office, which he described as false and damaging to his reputation.

The minister, in the suit marked GWD/CV/264/26, said he initially attempted to resolve the matter without litigation by demanding a public apology, withdrawal of the publications and an undertaking against further publication. He alleged that the defendants failed to comply, leaving him with no option but to seek judicial intervention.

Umahi is asking the court to declare the publications made through Okengwu’s Instagram handle, @thewomanking1, and allegedly circulated by Linda Ikeja’s platform, @lindaikejiblogofficial, false and defamatory. He is also seeking orders compelling the defendants to delete the materials, issue an unreserved apology through the same platforms and permanently restraining them from publishing similar materials against him.

Beyond the reputational remedies, the minister is demanding N500 million in general damages and N2 billion in exemplary damages, as well as N500 million in legal costs and 10 per cent annual interest on any judgment sum. The defendants have yet to be served with the court processes, and the allegations remain claims by Umahi pending their defence and determination by the court.