Supreme Court Clears Way for EFCC to Reopen Corruption Case Against Peter Odili

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allowing the agency to investigate the tenure of former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili. The decision, delivered on Monday, March 10, 2025, nullifies a long-standing court order that had prevented the EFCC from probing Odili’s administration.

A five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro dismissed the appeals filed by the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The ruling effectively removes the perpetual injunction that shielded Odili from scrutiny for nearly two decades.

Odili, who served as Rivers State Governor from 1999 to 2007, secured a Federal High Court order in 2007 that barred the EFCC from investigating him, arresting him, or probing the state’s finances under his leadership. This legal protection had kept the anti-graft agency from taking any action against him.

The EFCC, however, has repeatedly attempted to overturn the ruling since 2008. In 2018, the Court of Appeal granted the commission the right to challenge the injunction. In response, the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly filed appeals at the Supreme Court in an effort to reinstate the restriction.

During the Supreme Court proceedings, Justice Okoro questioned the relevance of the appeals, stating that they were not the type of cases the apex court should be handling at this stage. Following this, the appellants’ lawyer, S. A. Somiari, SAN, opted to withdraw the case. The EFCC’s legal team, led by Abubakar Mahmud, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal, prompting the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal.

With this ruling, the EFCC now has the legal authority to proceed with its investigations into Odili’s administration. The decision is seen as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption, as it removes a significant legal obstacle that had long protected the former governor.

The Supreme Court’s decision signals a shift in Nigeria’s legal landscape regarding high-profile corruption cases. For years, perpetual injunctions like the one Odili secured have been used by influential political figures to evade scrutiny. By lifting this particular injunction, the court has set a precedent that could affect similar cases in the future.

Legal analysts believe this ruling could open the door for further investigations into past administrations that have previously been shielded from accountability. The EFCC, which has consistently pursued high-profile corruption cases, may now extend its efforts to other former officials who have relied on similar court orders to avoid prosecution.

The ruling also carries political implications, particularly in Rivers State, where Odili remains an influential figure. Some political observers argue that the decision could impact the balance of power in the region, especially as Nigeria approaches upcoming elections. Others view it as a necessary move to strengthen the country’s anti-corruption framework.

As the EFCC prepares to proceed with its investigation, questions remain about what specific allegations or financial dealings the agency will focus on. Odili has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team may still explore other avenues to challenge the investigation. However, with the Supreme Court’s ruling in place, the EFCC now has the authority to act without legal restrictions.

This development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fighting corruption at the highest levels of government.