Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Yusuf Adams, an official with the Department of State Services (DSS), appeared as a key prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of activist Moses Oddiri, who is standing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja on charges tied to alleged cyberbullying and publication of false information online. The trial has drawn public attention to how Nigeria’s laws intersect with digital speech and activism in the age of widespread social media usage.
Oddiri is facing a two-count charge brought by the federal government alleging that he published and circulated false information about Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, via social media, specifically Facebook. Prosecutors contend that Oddiri falsely accused Olukoyede of stealing ₦4 billion in royalties due to the Orogun community in Delta State, funds paid by an oil company for oil mineral licence block 30 (OML 30).
Adams, who is attached to the DSS Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department, took the stand as the first prosecution witness on Wednesday, detailing key steps in the agency’s investigation. He told the court that the DSS received a petition from the EFCC alleging that Oddiri had used his social media accounts to post several videos making unverified and damaging claims against Olukoyede.
During testimony, Adams said the DSS investigative team examined Oddiri’s phone and Facebook page, where multiple videos were found in which the defendant allegedly accused the EFCC chairman of embezzling the royalty payment intended for the Orogun community. These videos were downloaded as part of the evidence, which the DSS submitted to the court.
To bolster its investigative record, the witness told the court that the DSS also sought additional documentary materials. Adams said the agency requested receipts, bank statements from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Zenith Bank, and incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) relating to entities linked to the OML 30 community development arrangements, including one registered by the defendant.
He further noted that the unit also obtained records of correspondence between the EFCC and Oddiri, including a letter of admonishment sent to the activist, as well as a petition he had addressed to the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office. That communication, the witness explained, was forwarded by legal counsel for the EFCC chairman, requesting that Oddiri retract his allegations.
The DSS witness told the court that a preliminary report and certificate of compliance had been filed, and the investigation included requests for input from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, which regulates Nigeria’s oil sector, as part of gathering background on royalty payments.
Before Adams testified, counsel for the DSS indicated that the matter was ready for trial and for hearing Oddiri’s bail application. However, Oddiri’s lawyer raised concerns, stating that the defendant had not been granted access to his legal counsel while in DSS custody, which is a critical component of fair trial rights. The defence argued that because of this, they could not properly prepare or respond to the allegations.
Oddiri himself told the court that his lawyer had not been briefed on the specifics of the case, highlighting procedural challenges related to access. The defence emphasised that despite being notified of the charges, counsel had not had adequate opportunity to consult with the defendant in custody—raising constitutional and procedural issues.
In response, the DSS counsel maintained that all relevant material and processes had been duly served on the defence, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, to proceed with the trial. The court confirmed that the defence had been served with the necessary documents before ruling that the trial should continue as scheduled.
The court adjourned to March 13 for continuation of the trial, which will include further examination of evidence and consideration of Oddiri’s bail application. How the court will balance citizens’ freedom of expression with criminal liability under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws remains a central theme in the proceedings, which civil liberties groups are watching closely.
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