DSS: The family of Nigerian lawyer, Barrister Moses Oddiri, has raised urgent concerns after he went missing while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Oddiri was last seen on November 10, 2025, after being detained by DSS operatives at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking to the press, his younger brother, Doro Oddiri, appealed for public intervention, accusing the security agency of withholding information about Moses Oddiri’s whereabouts and wellbeing.
“For nearly a month, our family has received no official communication regarding his legal status or welfare,” Doro said. “All efforts to obtain information through formal channels have been met with silence or denial. We fear for his life.”
Secret Transfer to Abuja
SaharaReporters confirmed that Oddiri was quietly transferred from the DSS Lagos facility to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, a move that was not communicated to his family. His son, Solomon Oddiri, revealed that the family only learned about the transfer from an inside source.
“The DSS transferred my father without informing us. He has still not been charged with any offense since his arrest on November 10,” Solomon stated.
Arrest Linked to Petition Against EFCC Chairman
Sources revealed that Oddiri’s detention is connected to a petition he filed with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in London. The petition accused EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede of diverting community development funds meant for the Orogun Oil Producing Community in Delta State, which Oddiri represented.
The case reportedly involves over N4 billion in statutory community development payments. Community representatives, including Oddiri, petitioned the EFCC in July 2024 to probe the missing funds.
Human rights organizations have condemned Oddiri’s incommunicado detention, noting it violates both Nigerian and international law, including the constitutional right to legal representation and information about one’s detention.
Neither the DSS nor the EFCC has issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the family’s claims.
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