Biography of Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, Nigeria’s Director of Public Prosecutions. His background, EFCC career, achievements, and high profile cases
Rotimi Oyedepo Biography, Background, Career, Achievements and 10 Things to Know About Him
Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo SAN stands as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s contemporary legal and anti corruption landscape. Widely respected for his fearless prosecution style and deep mastery of financial crimes, Oyedepo has emerged as the public face of Nigeria’s renewed determination to dismantle high level corruption and recover stolen public assets. His appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation marks a defining moment in the evolution of criminal justice administration in the country.
Background and Education
Rotimi Oyedepo was born in the early 1980s and hails from Kwara State Nigeria. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ilorin in 2007, an institution renowned for producing disciplined legal minds. After completing his undergraduate studies, he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008.
From the very beginning of his legal career, Oyedepo demonstrated a strong inclination toward litigation and criminal prosecution, particularly in the emerging and technically demanding area of economic and financial crimes.
Career Development and Professional Journey
Rise Through the EFCC
Oyedepo dedicated over fifteen years of his career to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission where he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Director and Head of the Monitoring Unit. During his tenure, he established himself as one of the commission’s most reliable prosecutors and became the dominant courtroom figure in Lagos where most politically exposed persons trials were handled.
He earned a reputation for meticulous case building, mastery of cross examination, and an unusual ability to neutralize complex legal defenses mounted by top senior advocates.
Elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria
In September 2022, Rotimi Oyedepo was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at just thirty nine years old. This achievement placed him among the youngest lawyers to attain the prestigious rank, a recognition reserved for legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy and contribution to legal development.
Presidential Roles and National Service
In October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Oyedepo as Special Assistant on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance. This role positioned him at the intersection of executive policy and criminal justice enforcement.
On December 30 2025, the President approved his transfer to the Federal Civil Service as the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, succeeding Abubakar Babadoko. This appointment effectively internalized high value prosecutions within the Ministry of Justice and reduced dependence on external legal consultants.
Major Achievements and Landmark Contributions
The P and ID Legal Victory
Oyedepo was a core member of Nigeria’s legal team that successfully overturned the eleven billion dollar P and ID arbitral award at the London High Court. The ruling saved Nigeria from what many experts described as an existential economic threat.
Asset Recovery Leadership
He played a central role in recovering assets worth billions of naira, including luxury properties and the forty million dollar jewelry collection linked to former petroleum minister Diezani Alison Madueke. His work strengthened Nigeria’s global reputation for asset recovery enforcement.
Non Conviction Based Forfeiture Doctrine
Oyedepo was instrumental in establishing the legality of non conviction based forfeiture in Nigeria, allowing the government to recover stolen assets even when criminal convictions are delayed by procedural obstacles.
10 Things to Know About Rotimi Oyedepo
- He is an alumnus of the University of Ilorin where he graduated in 2007
- He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria only fourteen years after being called to the bar
- He won EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year in 2014
- He was named Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor in 2019 and 2020
- He is popularly known within legal circles as the silent executioner due to his low key demeanor and lethal courtroom precision
- He serves as an Assistant Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God
- He is married to Dr Victoria Oluwabunmi Rotimi Oyedepo and they have four children
- He received a National Youth Service Corps Merit Award in 2009
- He led internal reforms at the EFCC to improve ethical compliance among officers
- He is recognized as a national authority on digital and electronic evidence in financial crime trials
High Profile Cases on His Docket as Director of Public Prosecutions
As Rotimi Oyedepo SAN assumes office on January 1 2026, he takes charge of some of Nigeria’s most consequential criminal cases.
Abubakar Malami Prosecution
He will oversee the prosecution of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami who faces multiple counts of alleged money laundering involving nine billion naira. The case carries historic significance due to the institutional relationship involved.
Godwin Emefiele Trials
Oyedepo continues to play a central role in the ongoing prosecution of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele over alleged abuse of office and large scale financial improprieties involving billions of dollars and naira.
Yahaya Bello and Ali Bello Cases
He remains deeply involved in the financial crimes cases linked to former Kogi State officials, including complex jurisdictional challenges and asset tracing efforts.
Post P and ID Criminal Proceedings
Beyond the civil victory, Oyedepo is now leading efforts to prosecute Nigerian and foreign collaborators identified in the fraudulent P and ID agreement.
Power Sector Financial Investigations
His office is expected to probe alleged mismanagement and diversion of hundreds of billions of naira allocated to the power sector, particularly funds tied to national grid failures.
Enforcement of the 2025 Tax Reform Act
As DPP, Oyedepo will lead criminal enforcement against major tax evasion under Nigeria’s new tax regime, a role critical to protecting government revenue.