Abuja: A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Adams, has narrated to the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, how the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was allegedly blackmailed by a defendant through a Facebook post. Adams detailed that this information was uncovered during a search of the defendant’s phone and Facebook page as part of the investigation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adams testified that the investigation revealed videos in which Moses Oddiri accused the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, of intercepting and stealing over ?4 billion released by Heritage Operational Services Limited for the Orogun Community in Delta. Adams, who appeared as the first prosecution witness before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, identified himself as a DSS personnel serving in the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department.
During the court proceedings, Adams explained that his office received a petition from the EFCC on September 23, 2025, alleging that Oddiri had published false accusations on social media against the EFCC Chairman, claiming embezzlement of the royalty funds. The funds were purportedly recovered by the commission. Following this, Adams and his team were instructed to investigate the matter.
Adams further disclosed that Oddiri was apprehended on November 10, 2025, in Lagos and brought to the DSS office for an interview. This session was audio-visually recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, where Oddiri voluntarily gave his statement under caution. The investigative team also explored Oddiri’s Facebook page, downloading several videos where the EFCC Chairman was accused. Additionally, the team requested receipts and bank statements from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Zenith Bank and incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission regarding community development entities operating in Delta State.
The witness mentioned obtaining copies of letters of admonishment from the EFCC in response to a petition by the defendant, which was addressed to the Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom. A letter from Wahab Shittu, counsel to the EFCC Chairman, also requested the defendant to retract the allegations. A preliminary report was subsequently submitted to their superior.
In the court proceedings, prosecution counsel, C.S. Orubor, announced readiness to proceed with the trial, while defence counsel, M. Adeniran, objected, citing lack of access to his client held in DSS custody. Despite the objection, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the trial to commence, emphasizing the need for the legal process to proceed.
The defendant, Oddiri, was arraigned on a two-count charge related to cybercrimes under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024. The matter was adjourned to March 13 for the continuation of the trial and the hearing of the bail application.