Reaction Trails the Release of Mama P as She Is Mandated to Report Back on Monday
The release of social media activist and Obidient supporter, Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama P, has continued to generate widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political and civic space.
Mama P was detained by the Edo State Police Command on Friday following her confrontation with Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, at the Abuja Airport—a faceoff that spilled onto a Max Air flight and escalated further upon landing at the Benin Airport.
The Airport Confrontation
A viral video showed Mama P challenging Abure, accusing him of frustrating Nigerians and betraying the Labour Party.
Upon arrival in Benin, Mama P alleged that she was physically assaulted by thugs she claimed were loyal to Abure.
The Labour Party, however, countered her claims. Its spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, alleged that Mama P was the aggressor who harassed and assaulted Abure mid-flight, further insisting that she boasted of having powerful allies within the police.
Detention and Release
Following the incident, Mama P was arrested and held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Benin City.
Her detention immediately drew backlash. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and other civil society groups condemned the move, demanding her release and a thorough investigation into the alleged assault.
On Saturday night, fresh videos surfaced online showing Mama P had been freed. However, reports confirm that she has been mandated to report back on Monday to the police for further questioning.
Public Reactions
Her release has sparked heated debates:
- Supporters of Mama P see her arrest as a ploy to silence her voice and intimidate the Obidient movement.
- Abure’s camp insists the activist crossed the line, accusing her of assaulting the Labour Party chairman in public.
- Rights groups warn that the incident reflects a dangerous trend of political intolerance and misuse of law enforcement. As Mama P prepares to return to the police on Monday, Nigerians are closely watching how the authorities handle the matter.
Many are calling for transparency, fairness, and accountability—urging the police not to be drawn into partisan disputes but to uphold justice in line with the rule of law
