A prosecution witness from the Department of State Services on Wednesday narrated before the Federal High Court in Abuja how security operatives investigated alleged defamatory social media posts targeting the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede.
The witness, Yusuf Adams, who said he is attached to the DSS Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, testified as the first prosecution witness before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Adams told the court that the investigation followed a petition submitted by the EFCC accusing one Moses Oddiri of publishing false claims online. According to him, the petition was received on September 23, 2025.
“The petition alleged that the defendant circulated statements on social media accusing the EFCC chairman of embezzling over ₦4 billion in royalties linked to Heritage Operational Services Limited and the Orogun Community in Delta State,” Adams said.
He explained that his team was directed to probe the matter. Oddiri was subsequently arrested in Lagos on November 10, 2025, and brought to the DSS office for questioning.
“The interview session was audio and video recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel. The defendant volunteered a statement under caution,” he told the court.
Adams further stated that investigators examined the defendant’s Facebook account and downloaded videos in which he allegedly accused Olukoyede of diverting funds meant for the Orogun oil-producing community.
“We analysed his Facebook page and retrieved materials where he made allegations that the EFCC chairman intercepted and stole the royalty payments,” Adams testified.
The court also heard that investigators requested bank records and documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to entities connected with OML 30 operations in Delta State. Adams added that the DSS reviewed correspondence between the defendant and foreign authorities, including a petition reportedly addressed to the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office.
“We also examined a letter written by counsel to the EFCC chairman demanding a retraction of the allegations,” he said.
“After our findings, we submitted a preliminary report to our superiors and sought further clarification from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.”
Earlier, prosecution counsel C.S. Orubor informed the court that the case was set for the commencement of trial and hearing of the defendant’s bail application.
“We are ready to proceed. Our witness is present in court,” Orubor said.
However, defence counsel M. Adeniran objected, arguing that his client had remained in DSS custody without adequate access to legal representation.
“The defendant has been in detention, and we have not had sufficient access to prepare his defence. Proceeding with trial at this stage would prejudice him,” Adeniran submitted.
The defendant also told the court that his lawyer had not been fully briefed.
But the prosecution disagreed. “My learned friend has been served with all relevant materials. He was present at the last adjourned date and is aware of today’s proceedings,” Orubor argued.
After confirming that the charge had been duly served, Justice Abdulmalik directed that the trial should commence. The matter 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 used his Facebook handle in September 2025 to publish statements accusing the EFCC chairman of misappropriating over ₦4 billion belonging to the Orogun Community.
The second count relates to a letter allegedly sent in October 2025 accusing the EFCC chairman and an executive of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of conspiring to divert the funds.
The offences are said to be punishable under the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
