DSS witness narrates how Oddiri used Facebook videos to blackmail EFCC Chairman
Federal High Court Hears Testimony in Cybercrime Case Involving EFCC Chairman
Abuja — A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Adams, testified Wednesday in the Federal High Court in Maitama about the investigation into Moses Oddiri, who is accused of making false allegations against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.
Adams, the first prosecution witness, identified himself as a member of the DSS’s Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, stating he became acquainted with Oddiri during the investigation. He explained that, on September 23, 2025, the DSS received a petition from the EFCC alleging that Oddiri had disseminated false claims on social media, accusing Olukoyede of embezzling ₦4 billion intended for the Orogun Community in Delta State.
“My director instructed my team and me to investigate the matter,” Adams said.
He detailed that Oddiri was arrested on November 10, 2025, in Lagos and subsequently interviewed at the DSS office. The interview was audio-visually recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, during which Oddiri provided a statement. Adams also mentioned that other witnesses were interviewed as part of the investigation.
The DSS team examined Oddiri’s Facebook page and downloaded videos in which he alleged that the EFCC Chairman intercepted and stole the controversial funds. Adams noted that the investigation involved collecting financial documents from First City Monument Bank and Zenith Bank, as well as community development entity documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“We obtained a copy of a letter from the EFCC admonishing the defendant regarding his allegations, addressed to the Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom,” he added.
At the beginning of the proceedings, prosecution counsel C.S. Orubor announced that the trial was set to commence and that the witness was present in court. However, defense attorney M. Adeniran objected to the trial’s initiation, citing a lack of access to Oddiri, who remains in DSS custody.
“The defendant has not been able to brief us,” Adeniran stated. Despite this objection, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the trial to proceed.
Oddiri himself addressed the court, expressing concerns over his lack of representation and understanding of the case. In response, Orubor emphasized that all relevant materials had been provided to the defense.
After confirming that the defense had received the charges, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would move forward. She adjourned the matter until March 13, 2026, for further proceedings and a hearing on the bail application.
Oddiri faces a two-count charge related to cybercrimes under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. The first count accuses him of using his Facebook account to disseminate false information about EFCC Chairman Olukoyede, thereby causing annoyance and harm.
