EFCC Accuses Sahara Reporters, Lawyer Moses Oddiri of Peddling Falsehood Over Niger Delta Host Community Funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) abducted Lagos-based lawyer, Moses Oddiri, on the orders of the Commission’s Executive Chairman over a petition bordering on diversion of funds meant for a Niger Delta community.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC described the publication as “malicious,” insisting that Oddiri’s claims were aimed at twisting facts and undermining the lawful process governing Host Community funds under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to the Commission, the controversy revolves around the Niger Delta Host Community Trust Fund, which the EFCC said was duly paid into the accounts of two Host Community Benefit Trusts (HCBTs) in 2024, in line with the PIA and OPEC guidelines. The EFCC revealed that its Chairman had ordered an investigation into delayed payments to the communities, leading to the recovery and remittance of the funds.

The agency accused Oddiri of insisting that the funds be paid into the account of his Non-Governmental Organisation—an action the EFCC said was unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the PIA. The statement added that since the remittance to the HCBTs, Oddiri had launched an unrelenting campaign against the EFCC and its Chairman, including claims amplified by Sahara Reporters.

The Commission noted that it convened two stakeholder meetings involving community leaders, regulators, and oil company representatives in Lagos and Abuja to clarify the lawful disbursement procedure. At one of the meetings, the EFCC Chairman reportedly emphasized that the Commission’s role was to prevent diversion of community funds, ensure transparency, and guarantee that the resources are channelled into meaningful development projects such as electricity and potable water.

The EFCC accused Oddiri of making similar allegations against Heritage Energy Operational Services (HEOS) Ltd., saying leaders of the affected host communities were fully aware of his “egocentric” demands. It disclosed that both the EFCC Chairman and HEOS had initiated legal action against Oddiri, alongside a petition to the DSS.

The agency further stated that it would be suing Sahara Reporters over its latest publication, urging the media to avoid being used for “prejudice and blackmail.”

“The EFCC will not be stampeded or blackmailed into compromising extant legal frameworks for the disbursement of funds to host communities,” the statement read. “The Commission remains focused on its mandate and committed to acting in the nation’s best interest.”