Feb 26 • 09:01 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

DSS witness testifies in EFCC chairman’s defamation case

A witness from the Department of State Services testified in a defamation case against the chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding alleged false claims made on social media.

A prosecution witness from Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) provided crucial testimony in the ongoing defamation case involving the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede. The witness, Yusuf Adams, described how investigators scrutinized the phone and Facebook account of Moses Oddiri, the individual accused of making defamatory statements against Olukoyede. This hearing took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, signaling the seriousness with which such allegations are being treated in the Nigerian judiciary.

Adams stated that the investigation followed a petition submitted by the EFCC, which claimed that Oddiri had disseminated false allegations implying that Olukoyede had misappropriated over ₦4 billion. The funds in question were said to be royalties intended for the Orogun Community in Delta State, reportedly recovered by the EFCC but falsely advertised by Oddiri as embezzlement. The focus on social media as a medium for defamation reflects a growing concern in Nigeria regarding the implications of online statements and the responsibility of individuals in disseminating potentially harmful information.

This case highlights the intersections of social media, law, and governance in Nigeria, emphasizing the legal accountability individuals may face for their online expressions. As more people access and use social media platforms, the potential for misinformation and defamation rises, necessitating sharper laws and vigilant enforcement to protect public figures and institutions. The outcome of this case may set important precedents for how similar allegations are handled in the future, particularly in terms of digital communication and public discourse.

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