March 3, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | Investigations Desk
A bitter dispute over the recovery of $119.4 million in alleged excess foreign loan deductions has erupted into explosive allegations, as a consultant has accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, of intimidation, unlawful arrest, and issuing threats against her life.
Dr. Jackie Ikeotuonye, Chief Executive Officer of Andrew Bishopton Limited, in an exclusive interview with SUNTV Global Channel, alleged that she was abducted by armed police officers from her Abuja residence and transported to Abakaliki after securing a court judgment over consultancy fees tied to the recovery of $119,419,427.59 for Ebonyi State.
Umahi has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
How The $119.4 Million Was Identified
According to Ikeotuonye, her firm was formally appointed by the Ebonyi State Government on October 6, 2015, to reconcile and recover excess deductions on foreign and local loan facilities. The consultancy agreement, executed in November 2015, reportedly entitled the company to 25 percent of any funds successfully reconciled and recovered.
In a letter dated December 11, 2015, Umahi, then governor, acknowledged the firm’s engagement and wrote to the Federal Ministry of Finance, stating that $119,419,427.28 had been identified as wrongly deducted from the state’s foreign loan repayment schedule between 1995 and 2002.
The consultant said the assignment was executed without mobilisation fees and was largely self-funded in partnership with Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited.
Contract Termination And Fee Dispute
Trouble reportedly began after the first tranche of refund—₦8.38 billion—was paid to Ebonyi State under a Governors’ Forum arrangement.
Based on the contractual 25 percent entitlement, Andrew Bishopton Limited demanded ₦2.09 billion. Ikeotuonye alleged that instead of payment, the state government terminated the contract.
She further claimed that multiple negotiations led to offers ranging from ₦400 million down to ₦50 million on a “take it or leave it” basis. Under pressure, she said she signed an agreement and received ₦46 million but later approached the court to recover the outstanding balance.
On July 21, 2022, the Federal High Court reportedly delivered judgment in favour of the firm.
Alleged Arrest And Threats
Ikeotuonye alleged that on August 31, 2022, armed police officers stormed her residence in Abuja, accusing her of defrauding the Ebonyi State Government of ₦50 million. She was detained overnight and flown to Abakaliki the following day.
Upon arrival, she claimed she was taken directly to Umahi’s office.
“He asked if I was the one who took him to court. I explained that we had attempted to resolve the matter amicably,” she told SUNTV.
According to her, Umahi allegedly said: “If not that you are a woman, I would have just shot you here now.”
She further alleged that she was pressured to withdraw the court judgment and sign documents waiving her rights.
Presidential Lodge Controversy
In what she described as a “bizarre twist,” Ikeotuonye claimed she was instructed to be taken to the Presidential Lodge in Abakaliki, but a police officer declined, insisting that an accused person should not be lodged there.
She also alleged that an unnamed official warned her against staying overnight at the lodge, suggesting it could endanger her safety.
Amid mounting public attention following social media posts by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, she said she eventually signed revised documents on legal advice and was escorted to the airport.
Court Order Details
Court documents reviewed by SUNTV indicate that in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/35/2022, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an Order Nisi attaching $29.85 million and ₦30.1 billion from Ebonyi State’s monthly federation allocation accounts maintained with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The funds were to be paid into an account designated by Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited as part of the judgment enforcement process.
Ongoing Allegations
Ikeotuonye maintains that threats of prosecution for alleged advance fee fraud persist and says the experience has left her children traumatised.
“In this place, they told me you have two options: either you’re dead or you’re in prison,” she alleged.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Ministry of Works and the Ebonyi State Government were unsuccessful at press time.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments in this unfolding dispute.
