A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators analysed the phone and Facebook account of Moses Oddiri over alleged defamatory posts targeting the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.
The witness, Yusuf Adams, who said he works with the DSS Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, testified before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as the first prosecution witness in the case.
Adams told the court that the investigation began after the DSS received a petition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on September 23, 2025. The petition alleged that Oddiri had circulated claims on social media accusing Olukoyede of diverting over ₦4 billion in royalties linked to Heritage Operational Services Limited and the Orogun Community in Delta State.
According to Adams, his team was directed to probe the allegations. Oddiri was later arrested in Lagos on November 10, 2025, and taken to the DSS office for questioning. The interview, he said, was recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, and the defendant made a statement under caution.
During the investigation, Adams said officers examined Oddiri’s Facebook page and downloaded several videos in which he allegedly accused the EFCC chairman of intercepting and stealing the funds meant for the Orogun Community.
Investigators also sought bank records and incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to entities operating OML 30 in Delta State. The DSS further reviewed correspondence, including a letter of admonishment reportedly issued by the EFCC in response to an earlier petition sent by the defendant to the UK Serious Fraud Office, as well as a demand for retraction written by Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the EFCC chairman.
Adams said a preliminary report was submitted to his superiors, after which the DSS requested additional information from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
At the start of proceedings, prosecution counsel C.S. Orubor informed the court that the matter was set for the commencement of trial and hearing of the defendant’s bail application.
However, defence counsel M. Adeniran objected, arguing that he had not been granted access to his client, who remains in DSS custody. He said the lack of access had prevented proper preparation for the defence and that proceeding with the trial would prejudice the defendant.
The defendant also told the court that his lawyer had not been fully briefed on the facts of the case.
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The prosecution disagreed, insisting that all relevant documents had been served on the defence and that counsel was aware of the day’s proceedings.
After confirming that the charges had been properly served and endorsed, Justice Abdulmalik directed that the trial should proceed. The case was adjourned to March 13, 2026, for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application.
Oddiri is facing a two-count charge under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The prosecution alleges that he knowingly published false claims on Facebook and in a letter accusing the EFCC chairman and the Managing Director of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of conspiring to divert over ₦4 billion belonging to the Orogun oil-producing community in Delta State.
