The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted allegations published by Sahara Reporters claiming that the Department of State Services (DSS) abducted Lagos-based lawyer Moses Oddiri on the orders of the EFCC Chairman over a petition related to the alleged diversion of community funds.
In a statement on Thursday, the Commission described the report, titled “DSS Abducts Lawyer Moses Oddiri in Lagos After Petition on Diversion Of Funds By EFCC Chairman”, as “falsehood taken too far,” insisting that the claims were fabricated to mislead the public and smear the EFCC’s leadership.
According to the EFCC, the real dispute centres on the Niger Delta Host Community Trust Fund—money meant for two Host Community Benefit Trusts (HCBTs) in Delta State as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Commission said Oddiri attempted to divert the funds to his personal NGO in violation of the law.
The EFCC explained that its Chairman had previously ordered an investigation into delayed payments to the host communities. The probe reportedly uncovered defaulting companies, resulting in the eventual release of funds in 2024 in line with PIA and OPEC guidelines. The money was deposited directly into the bank accounts of the two legally recognised HCBTs.
Since the payment, the Commission alleged, Oddiri has launched a campaign of attacks against the EFCC and its Chairman for refusing to channel the funds through his organisation. The EFCC said it convened two stakeholder meetings—first in Lagos and later in Abuja—bringing together community leaders, regulators and oil company representatives to address the matter.
“At one of the meetings, the EFCC Chairman emphasised that our role is to ensure that funds designated for a particular community are not diverted elsewhere, that unauthorised individuals do not illicitly benefit, and that resources are channelled into tangible development projects such as electricity and potable water,” the statement noted.
The agency described Oddiri’s actions as “gangsteric moves” and “a campaign of calumny,” adding that similar allegations had previously been circulated against both the EFCC Chairman and Heritage Energy Operational Services (HEOS) Ltd. The Commission said community leaders were familiar with Oddiri’s “egocentric desires” and that several legal actions had already been initiated against him, including petitions to the DSS.
The EFCC further disclosed plans to file a lawsuit against Sahara Reporters over the publication.
While urging media organisations to exercise balance and avoid being misled “into prejudice and blackmail,” the Commission vowed not to succumb to pressure or compromise legal procedures governing host community funds.
“The EFCC is focused on its mandate and will continue to act in the overall best interests of the nation,” the statement added.
