The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allowing it to investigate the tenure of Peter Odili, the former governor of Rivers State. This ruling, delivered on Monday, March 10, 2025, clears the way for the anti-graft agency to probe Odili’s administration, which had previously been shielded from investigation due to a long-standing court injunction.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice John Okoro, dismissed appeals filed by the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, effectively lifting the barriers that had prevented the EFCC from investigating Odili. The ruling upheld the leave granted by the Court of Appeal, which had allowed the EFCC to challenge the injunction that had been in place for nearly two decades.
Peter Odili served as the Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007. During his time in office, Odili became a prominent political figure in the region, but his administration also attracted controversy, particularly regarding the management of state funds. In 2007, Odili secured a perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which blocked the EFCC from investigating his government, arresting him, or prosecuting him. This injunction also prohibited the anti-graft agency from examining the financial dealings of Rivers State during his tenure.
The EFCC has attempted to challenge this injunction since 2008, seeking to lift the legal barriers that shielded Odili from scrutiny. However, despite years of legal battles, the injunction remained in place, effectively halting any investigation into his administration.
The EFCC’s efforts to reverse the injunction took a significant step forward in 2018 when the Court of Appeal granted the anti-graft agency’s request to challenge the Federal High Court’s ruling. This decision was seen as a victory for the EFCC, but it was met with resistance from the Rivers State government. The Attorney General of Rivers State and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly filed separate appeals at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision and prevent the EFCC from investigating Odili’s tenure.
The appeals by the Rivers State government sought to maintain the status quo and block the EFCC’s investigation. The case made its way to the Supreme Court, where it was heard by a panel of justices led by Justice John Okoro.
During the Supreme Court proceedings, Justice Okoro raised concerns about the nature of the appeals, describing them as interlocutory, meaning they were not final rulings but rather temporary decisions in the legal process. He stated that such cases were not within the scope of the Supreme Court at this stage and advised that the parties should return to the Court of Appeal to have the substantive appeal heard.
The Supreme Court’s intervention brought clarity to the case, as Justice Okoro emphasized that the matter should be dealt with at the appellate court level before any further action could be taken at the highest court in the land. In response, the lawyer representing the Rivers State Attorney General and Speaker, S. A. Somiari, SAN, applied to withdraw the appeal.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Abubakar Mahmud, SAN, and supported by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, and B. O. Obialo, did not object to the withdrawal, agreeing that the matter should proceed through the appropriate channels.
Following the withdrawal of the appeal, Justice Okoro ruled that the case be dismissed. The Supreme Court’s decision effectively paved the way for the EFCC to proceed with its investigation into Odili’s time in office.
“The appeal is dismissed, having been withdrawn without any objection,” Justice Okoro stated in his ruling.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant victory for the EFCC, which has long sought to investigate allegations of corruption within state governments. It also marks an important moment in the battle against impunity for high-ranking politicians and public officials. For nearly two decades, Odili had been protected by the court injunction, making it difficult for the EFCC to hold him accountable for any potential misconduct during his time as governor.
The ruling is also seen as a positive step in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The EFCC has been under increasing pressure to take action against politicians and public figures who have allegedly misused public funds. The decision of the Supreme Court to allow the EFCC to proceed with its investigation sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their political standing, is above the law.
With the legal obstacles cleared, the EFCC is now in a position to resume its investigation into the finances of Rivers State under Odili’s administration. The anti-graft agency will likely scrutinize contracts, financial transactions, and other activities that took place during his tenure as governor. The investigation could also involve examining the use of public funds in the state and any potential misconduct related to state resources.
While the EFCC has yet to announce the specific details of its investigation, the ruling gives the agency renewed confidence in its ability to pursue cases of corruption at the state level. The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the outcome of the case and stated that the commission would continue to pursue its mandate to fight corruption in all levels of government.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has generated significant interest, particularly in Rivers State, where Odili remains a prominent political figure. Supporters of the former governor have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the EFCC investigation on his reputation and legacy. Some critics argue that the case could be politically motivated, while others maintain that it is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds.
On the other hand, anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for justice and a sign that the legal system is becoming more willing to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions. They view the decision as a step in the right direction for the country’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
