EFCC FREES TWO OBIDIENT SUPPORTERS AFTER MARATHON INTERROGATION

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released two prominent members of the Obidient Movement, Peter Akah and Oruche Precious, after several hours of interrogation over allegations of naira abuse.

Akah and Precious, popularly known as Mama Pee, honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation at its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday and were released at about 12 a.m. on Thursday. They were, however, directed to return to the commission’s headquarters by 1 p.m. on Thursday as investigations continue.

The development was disclosed by activist Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, who accompanied the duo to the EFCC headquarters.

In a post on X, Mark said the two supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi arrived at the commission around 1 p.m. on Wednesday and remained there for several hours before their release.

“My dear brother, @Peter4Nigeria, and my sister, @MamaPee__ were invited by the @officialEFCC. I personally accompanied them there on the afternoon of 15th July 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. It was a very long day. They were eventually released at around 12:00 a.m. and were asked to return the following day, 16th July 2026,” he wrote.

The prolonged questioning sparked concerns on social media on Wednesday evening after supporters of the Obidient Movement expressed anxiety over the pair’s whereabouts.

As of the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had not publicly commented on the matter.

Providing an update on Thursday, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who represented the duo, said the invitation was connected to allegations of naira abuse.

According to Effiong, his clients explained to investigators that the money being referenced in the allegation consisted of prop currency used for entertainment purposes and not genuine naira notes.

“We arrived the Commission with Peter for Nigeria and Mama Pee on Wednesday and met with the investigators. After cooperating with the Commission, our clients were released and we departed the EFCC’s Headquarters. We will be going today in furtherance of the investigation,” Effiong said in a statement.

He added that the commission conducted itself professionally throughout the interrogation.

“During the interrogation on Wednesday, which took considerable time, the Commission acted professionally. Our clients clarified that what was referenced were props money for entertainment and not naira notes. Our clients are in high spirits and they appreciate the concerns expressed by spirited Nigerians regarding their safety,” he said.

The incident comes amid recent claims by Peter Obi that the Federal Government is deliberately targeting opposition figures and frustrating his political activities.

The National Democratic Congress Presidential candidate, recently alleged that some individuals were reluctant to associate with him for fear of becoming targets of the government, although the Federal Government has consistently denied allegations of political persecution.