Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has confirmed that popular activists Peter Otu Akah, widely known as Peter for Nigeria or Randy Peter, and Precious Oruche, popularly called Mama Pee, have been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring an invitation over allegations of naira abuse.
The clarification comes amid widespread public concern and speculation over the whereabouts and safety of the two activists following reports that they had been invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Effiong explained that the EFCC had invited both activists through separate letters dated June 24, 2026, directing them to appear before investigators on July 6, 2026, in connection with allegations bordering on the alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency.
According to the lawyer, the initial appearance did not take place because the activists were unavailable on the scheduled date. Consequently, his legal team formally wrote to the commission requesting a new date for the interview.
Effiong disclosed that the EFCC granted the request, and the meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
“We wrote to the Commission requesting that the meeting be rescheduled to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, because our clients were unavailable on the originally fixed date,” he stated.
The human rights lawyer said he personally accompanied the two activists to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where they met with investigators and responded to questions relating to the allegations.
According to him, both activists cooperated fully throughout the investigative process by providing explanations and answering questions posed by officials of the commission.
Following the interrogation, Effiong confirmed that the activists were allowed to leave the commission’s headquarters and were not detained.
He, however, noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are expected to continue cooperating with the anti-graft agency whenever required.
“I accompanied Peter for Nigeria and Mama Pee to the headquarters of the EFCC, where they met with investigators and cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation. After the session, they were released, and we left the commission’s headquarters. We are expected to return today as part of the continuing investigation,” he said.
Effiong also commended the professionalism displayed by officials of the EFCC during the interaction, describing the conduct of investigators as courteous despite the lengthy duration of the interrogation.
According to him, although the questioning lasted for a considerable period, the commission handled the matter in a professional manner throughout the process.
“During the interrogation, which lasted for a significant period, the Commission acted professionally,” he noted.
Addressing the allegations that prompted the invitation, the lawyer dismissed suggestions that his clients had abused the naira, insisting that the materials referenced by investigators were not genuine Nigerian currency.
He explained that the items in question were props used for entertainment and content production, stressing that they were not legal tender.
“Our clients made it clear that what has been referenced by investigators were props used for entertainment purposes and not genuine naira notes,” Effiong said.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns among supporters of the activists, many of whom had expressed fears on social media after reports of the EFCC invitation became public.
In recent months, the commission has intensified enforcement of laws relating to the abuse of the naira, investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of spraying, mutilating or mishandling the country’s currency during social events and other public gatherings.
The EFCC has consistently maintained that such actions violate provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, warning that offenders risk prosecution regardless of their status or public profile.
The invitation extended to Peter for Nigeria and Mama Pee generated significant reactions online, particularly among civil society groups and supporters who viewed the development with concern due to the activists’ outspoken positions on national issues.
Effiong, however, assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm, stating that both activists remained safe, healthy and in good spirits following their interaction with investigators.
“Our clients are in high spirits, and they sincerely appreciate the concern shown by patriotic Nigerians regarding their safety and well-being,” he said.
He further assured members of the public that his legal team would continue to monitor the matter closely and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The lawyer reiterated that the activists remain committed to cooperating with lawful investigations while also protecting their constitutional rights throughout the process.
Although the EFCC has not publicly disclosed further details regarding the case, the commission is expected to continue its investigation before determining whether any further action will be taken.
For now, Peter for Nigeria and Mama Pee have regained their freedom after honouring the anti-graft agency’s invitation, while their legal representatives await the next stage of the investigation.
