Supreme Court Clears EFCC To Probe Peter Odili’s Tenure As Rivers Governor
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed appeals filed by the Rivers State Attorney General and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s bid to investigate former Governor Peter Odili’s administration.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice John Okoro, struck out the appeals on Monday, effectively paving the way for the anti-graft agency to scrutinise Odili’s eight-year tenure.
This ruling marks a significant turning point in the EFCC’s long-standing legal battle, which has spanned nearly two decades.
The controversy dates back to 2007, when Odili secured a perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, barring the EFCC from investigating him or the financial dealings of Rivers State under his administration.
The order shielded him from any probe, despite persistent efforts by the anti-corruption agency to overturn the ruling.
In 2018, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC permission to challenge the injunction, prompting the Rivers State government to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
However, during proceedings, Justice Okoro questioned the relevance of the case, stating that it was interlocutory in nature.
He advised the litigants to return to the appellate court to resolve the substantive matter before approaching the Supreme Court.
Following the court’s stance, the appellants’ legal representative, S.A. Somiari (SAN), applied to withdraw the appeal, a move that was not opposed by the EFCC’s legal team.
Consequently, Justice Okoro ruled, “The appeal is dismissed, having been withdrawn without any objection.”
A similar appeal filed by the Rivers State Speaker was also struck out on the same grounds, further solidifying the EFCC’s right to proceed with its investigation.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
