Lawyer Remains in DSS Custody Despite Court Order for Release

A Nigerian lawyer, Moses Oddiri, continues to be detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) despite a Federal High Court order granting him bail and directing his immediate release, according to his family.

His brother, Doro Oddiri, stated that a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking Mr. Oddiri’s release was filed in Lagos on December 10, 2025. The court granted bail on January 16, 2026, and all conditions were met. A formal release warrant was subsequently issued on January 23.

Doro Oddiri alleges that both documents were served on the DSS on January 26, but the agency has refused to comply. He claims the court specifically ordered his brother’s immediate release and mandated a seven-day notice before any future arraignment to allow for trial preparation.

The family expresses deep concern, stating Mr. Oddiri has been detained for nearly 100 days in defiance of the court orders. They accuse the DSS of showing contempt for the judiciary and trampling on constitutional rights.

Sources indicate the detention is linked to a petition Mr. Oddiri submitted concerning the alleged diversion of community development funds belonging to the Orogun Oil Producing Community in Delta State. The petition reportedly implicated the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.

The crisis originates from a long-running dispute involving over N4 billion in statutory payments allegedly owed to the Orogun community by an energy company. Community representatives, including Mr. Oddiri, had petitioned the EFCC in July 2024 to investigate the missing funds.