In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the tenure of Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, who served from 1999 to 2007. This ruling, delivered on March 10, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in a protracted legal battle that began in 2007 when Odili secured a perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, prohibiting the EFCC from probing his administration or examining the state’s finances during his time in office.
The Supreme Court dismissed appeals filed by the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, which sought to overturn a previous Court of Appeal decision that had granted the EFCC permission to contest the injunction. The ruling was issued by a five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro, who emphasized that the appeals were not suitable for the Supreme Court and advised the parties to return to the appellate court for resolution.
Despite the EFCC’s efforts to challenge the injunction since 2008, it effectively shielded Odili from scrutiny for nearly two decades. The recent Supreme Court decision not only allows for renewed investigations into potential financial mismanagement during his administration but also sets a precedent for addressing similar cases involving public officials who have previously evaded accountability through legal maneuvers.
With this ruling, Odili’s long-standing legal immunity has been lifted, opening the door for the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into his governance and associated financial activities. This development is likely to have significant implications for political accountability in Nigeria as it underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding anti-corruption efforts.
