A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Adams, testified before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that an investigation into a defendant’s social media activity revealed videos containing allegations against the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

Adams, a personnel from the DSS Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, appeared as the first prosecution witness before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday.

He told the court that on September 23, 2025, the DSS received a petition from the EFCC alleging that the defendant, Moses Oddiri, had published false claims on social media accusing the EFCC Chairman of intercepting and embezzling over ₦4 billion in royalties meant for the Orogun Community in Delta State.

“Based on this, my director instructed me and my team to investigate the matter,” Adams said.

He stated that Oddiri was arrested on November 10, 2025, in Lagos and brought to the DSS office for questioning. During an audio-visually recorded interview conducted in the presence of a legal aid counsel, the defendant volunteered a statement under caution.

Adams said the investigative team examined the defendant’s Facebook page and downloaded several videos in which he allegedly made accusations against the EFCC Chairman. The team also obtained bank statements, as well as incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission related to community development entities operating OML 30 in Delta State.

“We also obtained copies of letters of admonishment from the EFCC to a petition submitted by the defendant,” Adams added. “The petition, written by the defendant, accused the EFCC Chairman and was addressed to the Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom. We also secured a letter from Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the EFCC Chairman, requesting the defendant to retract the allegation.”

After submitting a preliminary report, the DSS filed a certificate of compliance and requested additional information from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

The defendant is facing a two-count charge bordering on cybercrimes under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.

During proceedings, prosecution counsel C.S. Orubor informed the court that the matter was set for trial commencement and bail consideration. Defence counsel M. Adeniran objected, citing lack of access to the defendant who had been in DSS custody.

“My lord, it’s a criminal trial and he has been in detention and has not been able to brief us,” Adeniran said. “The DSS didn’t oblige us to see him. He has not been able to brief us on his defence.”

The defendant also addressed the court, stating he had not briefed his lawyer and did not know the full facts of the case.

Orubor countered that all relevant materials had been served on the defence.

“It’s quite unfortunate that my learned friend is trying to mislead the court. He has been fully served with all the materials the prosecution intends to use,” Orubor responded.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would proceed after confirming service of the charge and adjourned the matter to March 13 for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application. (NAN)