Human rights lawyer and public affairs analyst, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has urged the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) to better his prosecution record at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as he assumes his new national role.
Olazengbesi made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, following Oyedepo’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu and his transfer from the EFCC to the mainstream federal civil service. Oyedepo is expected to take over from the current DPP, Abubakar Babadoko, who will retire on December 31, 2025, after completing the statutory eight-year tenure as Director.
According to Olajengbesi, Oyedepo's promotion to the post of DPP is well-earned, given his longstanding record in the prosecution of complex economic and financial crimes. He described the appointment as a recognition of merit, professionalism and years of consistent service within Nigeria's anti-corruption architecture.
“The appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice is laudable,” Olajengbesi said. “Over the years, Scholar Resham has demonstrated competence and capability in the diligent prosecution of complex economic and financial crimes.”
Oyedepo spent nearly two decades at the EFCC, where he rose to prominence and handled several high-profile and historic corruption cases. Olajengbesi said these cases, many of which were successfully prosecuted, stand as testament to Oyedepo's dedication, attention to detail and adherence to the rule of law.
However, the human rights lawyer stressed that the new role comes with greater responsibility and increased public expectations. He described the office of the DPP as central to the effectiveness of the justice system, particularly in shaping prosecution policy and ensuring consistency in criminal proceedings in the federal courts.
“This latest appointment is a call to higher responsibility and patriotic duty,” Olajengbesi said. “It is only desirable that Oyedepo surpasses the fine record he achieved at the EFCC, now that he has been appointed Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.”
He said the Ministry of Justice will rely heavily on Oyedepo's expertise to strengthen in-house prosecution capacity and reduce reliance on external legal counsel in sensitive and high-risk criminal cases.
Oyedepo has his work cut out for him, Olajengbesi concluded. “The justice sector will expect renewed vigor, efficiency and professionalism from his office. In fact, the reward for hard work is more work.”
