The Edo State Police Command has detained Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama P, a well-known activist and staunch supporter of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.
Mama P was taken into custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Benin City, following her recent public altercation with the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure.
The arrest was confirmed on Saturday by Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, in a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Mama P has been detained at State CID, Edo State Police Headquarters, off Sapele Road, Benin City,” Tanko wrote.
“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.”
Her detention comes a day after widespread reports that she physically confronted Julius Abure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while both were waiting to board a Max Air flight to Benin. According to the Labour Party, the confrontation continued on board the flight and even upon arrival in Benin, where Mama P was said to have been recording the incident while shouting at Abure.
The Labour Party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, condemned the attack and called it an attempt to harass and embarrass the party’s leadership. Abure was reportedly escorted to safety, while Mama P was handed over to the police upon landing.
Obidient Movement Responds
The Obidient Movement, made up of supporters of Peter Obi, has reacted strongly to Mama P’s detention, calling for immediate legal support and public pressure on the authorities. Several social media users have also begun trending the hashtag #FreeMamaP, demanding her release.
Tanko and other activists say the arrest is part of a broader attempt to silence voices within the movement who have been critical of the Labour Party’s internal leadership crisis.
“This is a time for all Obidients to unite and stand with Mama P. This is not just about her; it’s about protecting the right to speak truth to power,” one supporter posted online.
Background
The Labour Party has been grappling with a leadership crisis since after the 2023 general elections. Julius Abure leads one faction, while several Obidient Movement members and other stakeholders have questioned his leadership style and alleged lack of transparency.
Mama P is a vocal social media activist, often using her platforms to call out political figures, including those within her own party, when she feels they are working against the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
Her arrest has further fueled tensions between the Labour Party leadership and the grassroots Obidient Movement, with growing calls for dialogue and reform within the party ahead of major elections, including the 2024 Edo governorship poll.
The Edo State Police Command is yet to release an official statement on the reasons for her detention.
