DSS witness gives testimony in defamation trial involving EFCC chairman

A prosecution witness from the Department of State Services on Wednesday explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators analysed a mobile phone and Facebook account belonging to one Moses Oddiri over alleged defamatory publications against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede.

The witness, Yusuf Adams, who described himself as a DSS officer attached to the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as the prosecution’s first witness.

Adams told the court that he encountered the defendant while investigating a petition submitted by the EFCC. He said the petition, received on September 23, 2025, alleged that Oddiri had circulated false claims on social media accusing the EFCC chairman of embezzling more than ₦4 billion. The funds were said to be royalties released by Heritage Operational Services Limited for the Orogun Community in Delta State and allegedly recovered by the commission.

“Following the petition, my director directed my team and me to investigate the matter,” Adams said.
He disclosed that Oddiri was arrested in Lagos on November 10, 2025, and taken to the DSS office for questioning. According to him, the interview was audio-visually recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, and the defendant made a voluntary statement under caution.

Adams further testified that investigators examined the defendant’s Facebook account and downloaded several videos in which Oddiri allegedly accused the EFCC chairman of diverting the ₦4 billion royalty payment meant for the Orogun Community. He added that the team also requested bank records and incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to community development entities operating OML 30 in Delta State.

The witness said investigators obtained a copy of a letter of admonition issued by the EFCC in response to an earlier petition by the defendant, which had accused the EFCC chairman and was addressed to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. He also said the DSS reviewed a demand letter from Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the EFCC chairman, seeking a retraction of the allegations.

“We subsequently submitted a preliminary report to our superior,” Adams told the court, adding that further information was later requested from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in line with the report’s recommendations.

Earlier, prosecution counsel, C.S. Orubor, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the commencement of trial and hearing of the defendant’s bail application, stating that the prosecution was ready to proceed.

However, defence counsel, M. Adeniran, opposed the start of trial, arguing that he had not been granted access to his client, who remained in DSS custody. He said the lack of access had hindered adequate preparation for the defence and would prejudice the defendant if proceedings continued.

The defendant also addressed the court, saying his counsel had not been properly briefed on the facts of the case. The prosecution countered the objection, insisting that all relevant materials had been duly served on the defence.

After confirming that the charge had been properly served and endorsed, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the trial should proceed. The case was adjourned until March 13, 2026, for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application.

Oddiri is standing trial on a two-count charge relating to alleged cybercrimes under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The charges stem from alleged Facebook posts and a letter accusing the EFCC chairman and the managing director of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of conspiring to divert more than ₦4 billion belonging to the Orogun oil-producing community in Delta State.