In a landmark ruling on Monday, 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. This decision effectively clears the way for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Dr. Peter Odili’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.

Background of the Case

The legal dispute began in 2007 when Odili, who served as Rivers State governor from 1999 to 2007, obtained an order of perpetual injunction from the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt. This injunction barred the EFCC from investigating, arresting, or prosecuting Odili, as well as prohibiting the anti-graft agency from examining the finances of the Rivers State Government during his tenure.

EFCC’s Long-Standing Battle

The EFCC has contested the injunction since 2008, but the order has effectively shielded Odili from any scrutiny by the Commission for nearly two decades. In 2018, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC’s request for leave to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision, which prompted the Attorney General of Rivers State and the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly to file separate appeals at the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Ruling

On March 10, 2025, the Supreme Court convened to hear the appeal filed by the litigants, marked SC/CV/318/2018. During the proceedings, Justice John Okoro questioned the substance of the case, noting that the appeal was interlocutory in nature. The litigants’ lawyer, S. A. Somiari, SAN, argued that the appeal challenged the leave granted by the Court of Appeal for the EFCC to appeal the 2007 injunction.

Dismissal of the Appeal

Justice Okoro advised the parties to return to the Court of Appeal to have the substantive appeal heard before approaching the Supreme Court. Recognizing the court’s position, Somiari applied to withdraw the appeal, while the EFCC’s legal team, led by Abubakar Mahmud, SAN, alongside Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, and B. O. Obialo, did not oppose the withdrawal. Justice Okoro dismissed the appeal, stating, “The appeal is dismissed, having been withdrawn without any objection.”

Implications of the Ruling

The Supreme Court’s decision clears the way for the EFCC to investigate Odili’s administration, focusing on the finances of the Rivers State Government during his tenure. This investigation is expected to shed light on allegations of corruption and mismanagement of state funds during Odili’s eight-year rule.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the EFCC’s long-standing battle to investigate Peter Odili’s tenure as Rivers State governor. With the legal hurdles cleared, the EFCC can now proceed with the investigation, bringing closure to the allegations of corruption and mismanagement that have plagued Odili’s administration for nearly two decades.