In a landmark decision on March 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria dismissed appeals filed by the Attorney General of Rivers State and the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, effectively granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the authority to investigate the tenure of former Governor Peter Odili.
The legal battle dates back to 2007 when Dr. Odili, who served as Rivers State governor from 1999 to 2007, secured a perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. This injunction barred the EFCC from investigating, arresting, or prosecuting him, and also prohibited the agency from examining the finances of the Rivers State Government during his administration.
Since 2008, the EFCC has persistently sought to overturn this injunction to scrutinize Dr. Odili’s tenure. In 2018, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC leave to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision. This prompted the Attorney General of Rivers State and the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly to file separate appeals to the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn the appellate court’s decision.
During the Supreme Court proceedings on March 10, 2025, presided over by Justice John Okoro, the appeals were deemed interlocutory. Justice Okoro advised that such matters should first be resolved at the Court of Appeal before approaching the Supreme Court. Consequently, the appellants withdrew their appeals, leading to their dismissal by the apex court.
This dismissal effectively lifts the longstanding legal barrier, enabling the EFCC to investigate Dr. Odili’s administration. The agency can now proceed with its mandate to examine the financial activities of the Rivers State Government during his tenure, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
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