By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly dismissed what it describes as a malicious and misleading report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) abducted Lagos-based lawyer, Moses Oddiri, “on the orders” of the EFCC Chairman over a petition on alleged fund diversion.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC condemned the publication as “falsehood taken too far,” noting that the narrative was deliberately contrived to mislead the public and distort the true circumstances surrounding Oddiri’s arrest.
According to the Commission, the controversy revolves around the disbursement of the Niger Delta Host Community Trust Fund, paid into the accounts of two Host Community Benefit Trusts (HCBTs) in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Oyewale explained that Oddiri had allegedly insisted that the funds be diverted into the account of his Non-Governmental Organisation—a move the EFCC described as a blatant violation of the PIA.
Providing background, the EFCC stated that its Executive Chairman had ordered a thorough investigation after observing an unexplained delay in releasing the statutory funds to two host communities in Delta State. Following the investigation, defaulting companies were identified and compelled to remit the funds as required by both the PIA and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) guidelines.
The Commission revealed that since the payment was made in 2024, Oddiri has mounted an aggressive campaign against the EFCC and its Chairman for refusing to channel the funds to his NGO. In response to the tensions, the EFCC convened several stakeholder meetings in Lagos and Abuja involving community leaders, regulators, and oil company representatives.
At one of the sessions, the EFCC Chairman emphasised the Commission’s responsibility, stating: “Our role is to ensure that funds designated for a particular community are not diverted elsewhere, that unauthorized individuals do not illicitly benefit, and that resources are channelled into tangible development projects such as electricity and potable water.”
The EFCC accused Oddiri of orchestrating a series of “gangsteric moves” and propaganda campaigns aimed at blackmailing the Chairman, noting that his allegations have repeatedly appeared on social media platforms, including Sahara Reporters. The Commission disclosed that it is initiating legal action against the latest publication by the online news outlet.
The agency further noted that similar unsubstantiated claims have been made by Oddiri against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOS), which, alongside leaders of the affected communities, has already filed suits against him. A separate petition has also been submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS).
While reaffirming its commitment to enforcing legal provisions governing host community funds, the EFCC urged the media to uphold balanced and responsible reporting, cautioning against being misled by individuals seeking undue financial advantage.
“The EFCC will not be stampeded or blackmailed into compromising extant legal frameworks for the disbursement of the funds,” the statement added. “The Commission remains focused on its mandate and will continue to act in the overall best interests of the nation.”
