By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, June 30, 2025, presented video evidence before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, to counter claims by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, that her confessional statements were made under duress while in the custody of the Commission.
During the trial-within-trial session, the prosecution’s first witness, Hamma Adama Bello, tendered a video recording that captured Oyo-Ita writing her statements in the EFCC office calmly and without any indication of coercion. The witness, who was led in evidence by EFCC counsel Faruk Abdullahi, stated that the footage was crucial to demonstrating that the defendant was neither harassed nor intimidated at any point during the course of her interaction with investigators.
According to a signed statement from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the tendered video directly contradicts Oyo-Ita’s assertion that her confessional statements were obtained under pressure. The Commission maintains that all procedures during her interrogation were in full compliance with legal standards and ethical conduct.
Oyo-Ita, along with her special assistants, Ugbong Okon Effiok and Garba Umar, as well as six companies, Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Slopes International Limited, U and U Global Services Ltd, Prince Mega Logistics Ltd, and Good Deal Investments is standing trial on an 18-count charge. The charges include misappropriation of public funds, official corruption, money laundering, and criminal diversion of over ₦3 billion.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, adjourned the trial till October 14 and 16, 2025, for continuation. The trial-within-trial is expected to further examine the validity and admissibility of Oyo-Ita’s confessional statements in the main trial.
