Activist and content creator Precious Oruche, widely known as “Mama P” or “Mama Pee,” was reportedly detained by the Edo State Police Command following a confrontation with Julius Abure, a factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, over the weekend of September 27, 2025.
According to the Obidient Movement (a political advocacy group aligned with Peter Obi), Mama P was held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Edo State Police Headquarters, off Sapele Road, Benin City.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, made the detention public via X:
“Mama P is been detained at state CID @ Edo state police headquarters off sapele road Benin city. I have just spoken to our legal Director to deploy lawyers to her rescue. We want more people to come for her rescue. Lawyers and all concerned should please mount immediately. We need everyone’s support for her NOW.”
On that basis, legal teams and civil society groups are reportedly mobilizing to intervene.
🔍 What Led to the Detention, Competing Narratives
Mama P’s Account & Obidient Movement’s Position
- According to reports, the confrontation began at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where Mama P allegedly accosted Julius Abure in the boarding queue of a Max Air flight in transit to Benin, accusing him of “frustrating” Nigerians and “destroying the Labour Party.”
- She claimed that after verbally confronting Abure, she was attacked by a group of men (described as “thugs”) at the Benin Airport (or upon disembarkation), who tried to drag or physically intimidate her. The video circulating online appears to show a scuffle involving several persons, security agents, and attempts to restrain individuals.
- The Obidient Movement has called the detention an act of political suppression, demanding that the Inspector-General of Police and relevant authorities intervene.
Labour Party / Julius Abure Faction’s Version
- In response, the faction of the Labour Party loyal to Abure (via its Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh) accused Mama P of launching an unprovoked verbal assault on Abure at the airport. They claim she ignored pleas from flight attendants and continued recording the incident.
- They assert that upon arrival in Benin, she continued filming and harassing Abure, prompting security agents to remove him to safety, while Mama P was handed over to police for questioning.
- They also allege that Mama P had boasted on social media about having connections in the police, which would shield her from consequences.
Thus, there is a clear dispute over who escalated first, the nature of any physical attack, and whether the police action is legitimate or politically motivated.
🛑 Legal & Human Rights Concerns
Several rights and advocacy groups have condemned the detention and called for transparency:
- A rights group (via SaharaReporters) demanded a probe into the detention and what they term the “assaulted activist ‘Mama Pee’,” urging authorities to disclose her condition and access to legal counsel.
- Concerns have been raised that due process may not have been fully followed, for instance, whether she has been granted access to lawyers, whether her detention is lawful, and whether any use of force (if any) is being properly investigated.
- The Obidient Movement has called for public pressure, legal backing, and intervention to secure her release.
At this writing, there is no public confirmation from the Edo State Police Command or the Force Public Relations Office (FPRO) of the precise charges, the length of detention, or the outcome of any investigation.
🕰 Status & Recent Updates
- Some reports indicate Mama P may have been released (or at least partially freed) late Saturday night, with a condition to report on Monday.
- As of now, there is no formal statement from the Edo State Police Command confirming her present status.
- The public and legal observers are awaiting clarity on whether formal charges will be filed or whether she will be detained further.
🗞 Significance & Broader Implications
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Free Speech vs. Political Intimidation
This incident raises serious questions about how critics or activists are treated when they confront political actors. If a verbal confrontation leads to arrest (and possible detention), it may chill dissent. -
Intra-party Tensions in Labour Party
The episode is also symptomatic of deepening internal fractures within the Labour Party. The fact that a high-profile confrontation occurred between a supporter of Peter Obi (via Obidient) and the party chairman shows how volatile those internal dynamics are. -
Policing & Impartiality
The lack of clarity from police, and the pressure for political intervention, underscores longstanding concerns about whether state security agencies act impartially or under pressure from political interests. -
Mobilization of Civil Society
The call by Obidient and rights groups to rally legal, media, and public support indicates a strategy to force accountability and transparency.
Mama P is been detained at state CID @ Edo state police headquarters off sapele road Benin city.
— Dr Yunusa Tanko (@YunusaTanko) September 27, 2025
I have just spoken to our legal Director to deploy lawyers to her Rescue. We want more people to come for her Resque lawyers and all concern should please mount immediately
We… https://t.co/VxV7cMuNWk
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