Drama In Court As DSS Official Takes Stand Over ₦4 Billion Claim Targeting EFCC Chief

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Yusuf Adams, on Wednesday gave testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the ongoing trial of activist Moses Oddiri over alleged cyberbullying.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oddiri is being prosecuted on a two-count charge related to the alleged publication of false information against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.

According to the DSS, the defendant used his Facebook page to accuse the EFCC chairman of misappropriating a ₦4 billion royalty payment intended for the Orogun community in Delta State. The funds were reportedly paid by Heritage Operational Services Limited in connection with OML 30.

Adams, who works with the DSS Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, appeared as the first prosecution witness. He was led in evidence by C.S. Orubor, counsel to the DSS.

In his testimony, Adams stated that the agency received a petition from the EFCC alleging that the activist had circulated false claims about Olukoyede on social media. He told the court that Oddiri specifically accused the EFCC chairman of diverting more than ₦4 billion in royalties meant for the Orogun community.

Adams further disclosed that the defendant was arrested in Lagos on November 10, 2025, and later transferred to the DSS office for questioning. During a search of his phone and Facebook account, investigators reportedly discovered multiple videos in which the activist made the allegations.

“The investigation team downloaded several videos where the activist accused the EFCC chairman of stealing the ₦4 billion royalty payment meant for the Orogun community,” Adams said.

He added that the DSS requested supporting documents, including receipts, bank statements from First City Monument Bank and Zenith Bank, and incorporation records from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to community development entities involved in OML 30 operations in Delta State. Among these was the Orogun Kingdom Community Trust, which the defendant allegedly registered.

Adams also informed the court that the agency obtained a letter of admonishment issued by the EFCC in response to a petition submitted by the defendant. The petition, addressed to the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office, accused the EFCC chairman of wrongdoing. He noted that Wahab Shittu, SAN, counsel to Olukoyede, subsequently wrote to the defendant demanding a retraction of the allegations.

The witness stated that a preliminary report was submitted to his superiors and that a certificate of compliance was filed before the court. Based on recommendations in the report, the DSS also sought information from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the regulator overseeing the petroleum industry.

Earlier in the proceedings, DSS counsel Orubor informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the commencement of trial as well as consideration of the defendant’s bail application.

However, defence counsel M. Adeniran objected to the trial proceeding, arguing that he had been denied access to his client while in DSS custody. He told the court that the defendant had been unable to brief him on the facts of the case.

Oddiri also addressed the court, stating that his lawyer had not been properly informed about the details of the charges.

In response, DSS counsel maintained that all relevant documents had been served on the defence.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the trial should proceed after confirming that court processes had been duly served. The case was subsequently adjourned until March 13 for continuation of the trial and hearing of the bail application.

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