Moses Oddiri EFCC trial begins in Abuja over alleged defamatory posts and cybercrime accusations against EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede
A prosecution witness from the Department of State Services on Wednesday told the Federal High Court how investigators analysed the phone and Facebook account of Moses Oddiri over alleged defamatory posts targeting the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede.
Also read: TikTok star Mirabel released to Ogun ministry amid rape probe
Yusuf Adams, a personnel of the DSS attached to the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, testified as the first prosecution witness before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
He said the investigation stemmed from a petition filed by the EFCC alleging that Oddiri had circulated false claims that Olukoyede embezzled over ₦4bn 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 explained that Oddiri was arrested on November 10, 2025, in Lagos, interviewed under caution in the presence of a legal aid counsel, and that his statements were audio-visually recorded.
Adams told the court that investigators downloaded videos from Oddiri’s Facebook page, examined bank documents, and reviewed incorporation documents of community development entities operating OML 30 in Delta State.
The DSS also obtained letters from the EFCC and its legal representatives demanding a retraction of the allegations.
The prosecution is seeking to establish that Oddiri published the posts and letters to cause annoyance, insult, and injury to the EFCC chairman.
During proceedings, defence counsel M. Adeniran objected to the trial’s commencement, arguing he had not been able to access his client in DSS custody.
The defendant also addressed the court, stating his counsel was not adequately briefed.
Prosecution counsel C.S. Orubor insisted that all relevant materials had been served, and the court confirmed proper endorsement of the charge. Justice Abdulmalik directed that the trial should commence.
The case has been adjourned to March 13, 2026, for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application.
Oddiri faces a two-count charge under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The first count relates to a Facebook post published on September 17, 2025, alleging that the EFCC chairman stole ₦4bn in Orogun oil community funds.
The second count concerns an October 2025 letter accusing Olukoyede and the Managing Director of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of conspiring to misappropriate the same funds.
Also read: TikTok star Mirabel released to Ogun ministry amid rape probe
The alleged offences are punishable under the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
