Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited and questioned two prominent social media activists, Peter Akah, popularly known as "Peter for Nigeria," and Precious Oruche, known as "Mama Pee," over allegations of abusing the Naira. The duo was released on Wednesday evening after cooperating with investigators, but has been directed to return to the commission's headquarters on Thursday, July 16, 2026, for further engagement, according to a statement issued by their lawyer, Inibehe Effiong. The invitation came amid growing public concern over the activists' whereabouts after they spent several hours at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a press release dated July 16, 2026, Effiong confirmed that his clients were invited by the EFCC to appear on July 6, 2026, to offer clarifications over allegations of abuse of the Naira, with separate invitation letters dated June 24, 2026. The lawyer said they wrote to the Commission to reschedule the meeting to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, since their clients were not available on the originally scheduled date. "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," the statement read.
Effiong disclosed that during the interrogation on Wednesday, the Commission acted professionally, and his clients clarified that what was referenced were props money for entertainment and not real Naira notes. "Our clients are in high spirits and they appreciate the concerns expressed by spirited Nigerians regarding their safety," the lawyer added. The clarification that the money in question was for entertainment purposes suggests the activists were not engaged in the actual abuse of the currency as defined under Nigerian law, but rather used replicas or props in their content creation activities.
The invitation of the two activists, who are known supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, had sparked widespread concern and speculation on social media, with many expressing fears that the duo might have been arrested or detained. Their release and the confirmation that they were only invited for questioning have eased some of the anxiety, though the directive to return on Thursday for further investigation indicates that the EFCC is not yet satisfied with the explanations provided. The commission has not issued an official statement on the matter, and the nature of the investigation remains unclear.
The Nigerian Naira Abuse Act prohibits the spraying, dancing on, or hawking of the Naira at social events, a law that has been enforced sporadically, with several high-profile individuals and socialites facing prosecution for flouting the law. The EFCC's invitation of the activists suggests a renewed focus on enforcing the law, which has been criticized by some as selective and disproportionately targeting certain individuals. However, the clarification that the money used was props may indicate that the activists were not actually violating the law, but were caught up in a misunderstanding.
The EFCC's decision to invite the activists for questioning, and the subsequent release with a directive to return, has raised questions about the commission's priorities. Some have argued that the EFCC should focus on investigating more serious economic crimes, such as corruption and money laundering, rather than pursuing activists over alleged naira abuse. Others have defended the commission, arguing that the Naira Abuse Act is a law that must be enforced, regardless of the status of the offender, and that the invitation of the activists is a demonstration of the EFCC's commitment to upholding the law.
As the two activists prepare to return to the EFCC headquarters on Thursday, the public will be watching closely to see how the investigation unfolds and whether any charges will be filed. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for other social media users and content creators who use props or replicas of the Naira in their work. The EFCC's handling of the case will also be scrutinized for its adherence to due process and the principles of justice. For now, the two activists have been released and are reportedly in high spirits, but the investigation is far from over, and their return to the EFCC on Thursday will be a critical moment in the unfolding saga.
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