Anti-graft agency remains silent on reasons for inviting the two activists as concerns over their prolonged stay at EFCC headquarters spark widespread reactions on social media.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released activists Randy Peter and Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, after both honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency at its headquarters in Abuja.
The pair were released shortly after midnight following nearly 11 hours of questioning and were instructed to return to the commission’s office on Thursday for further engagement.
While their release has eased concerns among supporters and civil society groups, the EFCC has yet to publicly disclose the reason behind the invitation, fueling speculation and renewed debate over the agency’s interactions with activists and government critics.
Activists Spend Nearly 11 Hours at EFCC Headquarters
According to activist Justice Cracks, who accompanied both Randy Peter and Mama Pee to the EFCC headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, the two voluntarily honoured the invitation issued by the commission.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Justice Cracks explained that the activists arrived at the EFCC office at approximately 1:00 p.m. on July 15, 2026, and remained there for several hours before they were eventually allowed to leave shortly after midnight.
“My dear brother, @Peter4Nigeria, and my sister, @MamaPee__ were invited by the EFCC. I personally accompanied them there on the afternoon of 15th July 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. It was a very long day,” he wrote.
He added that both activists were released around 12:00 a.m. and instructed to return to the commission’s headquarters on July 16, 2026, for further engagement.
“For now, everything is fine,” Justice Cracks stated.
PeterAkah, popularly known as Randy Peter…Photo Credit: X / Morris Monye
Social Media Concerns Grew During Prolonged Questioning
Before confirmation of their release, concerns had spread rapidly across social media platforms after reports indicated that the activists remained inside the EFCC headquarters long after they had honoured the invitation.
Among those who raised public concern was Esther Umoh, the 2023 presidential campaign photographer for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
Posting on X, Umoh questioned the prolonged stay of the activists inside the anti-graft agency’s headquarters.
“@MamaPee__ and @Peter4Nigeria were invited by the EFCC in Abuja, and as respectful citizens, they honored the invitation today. But as I type this, they are yet to be released by the commission,” she wrote.
The development triggered widespread speculation online, with some users expressing fears that the activists might have been detained.
Those concerns subsided after Justice Cracks later announced that both individuals had been released.
Justice Cracks also shared a video recorded from the parking area of the EFCC headquarters while waiting for the activists to conclude their engagement with investigators.
The footage circulated widely on social media, attracting comments from supporters who monitored developments throughout the evening.
EFCC Yet to Explain Invitation
Despite the public attention generated by the incident, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has not issued an official statement explaining why Randy Peter and Mama Pee were invited for questioning.
Neither has the commission confirmed whether the invitation is connected to an ongoing investigation or whether any formal allegations have been made against the activists.
The lack of official clarification has fueled speculation, although no evidence has emerged suggesting that either activist has been charged with any offence.
Civil Society Calls for Transparency
Human rights advocates have repeatedly emphasized that while law enforcement agencies possess constitutional powers to investigate individuals, transparency remains essential in maintaining public confidence.
Legal analysts note that voluntary compliance with investigative invitations is a recognized legal process and does not, by itself, imply criminal liability.
Observers also argue that prompt communication from investigative agencies can help prevent misinformation and reduce unnecessary public anxiety.
Activist Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee…Photo Credit: X/Morris Monye
Awaiting Official Clarification
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not responded publicly to inquiries regarding the nature of the invitation or the issues discussed during the hours-long questioning.
Similarly, Randy Peter and Mama Pee had not issued detailed public statements outlining the purpose of their appearance before the commission beyond confirming that they had honoured the invitation.
A1NEWS International will continue to monitor developments and provide updates should the EFCC or the activists issue further statements.
The release of activists Randy Peter and Mama Pee has temporarily eased concerns surrounding their prolonged stay at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
However, the absence of an official explanation from the anti-graft agency has left unanswered questions regarding the purpose of the invitation and the issues under investigation.
With both activists expected to return to the commission as directed, attention now turns to whether the EFCC will clarify the circumstances surrounding the engagement and whether any further legal action will follow.
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