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The Digest:

President Bola Tinubu's appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria's legal landscape. Here are seven key facts about the crack prosecutor now tasked with leading federal criminal accountability.

Key Points:
  1. A Lifelong Prosecutor: At 42, Oyedepo has spent his entire legal career, over 15 years, as a prosecutor, primarily with the EFCC, specializing in complex financial crimes, money laundering, and asset forfeiture.
  2. EFCC's "Outstanding" Star: He was named EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year in 2014 and Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor in 2019, earning a reputation for handling politically sensitive cases.
  3. Asset Forfeiture Expert: He is a key figure behind Nigeria's use of Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture (NCBF), a civil tool to seize assets linked to crime, which he helped defend at the Supreme Court.
  4. A National Hero Case: Oyedepo was a crucial member of the legal team that successfully defended Nigeria in the $11 billion P&ID arbitration case, saving the country from a massive financial liability.
  5. A Swift Rise to SAN: His courtroom impact led to his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2022, a prestigious rank recognizing exceptional legal practice.
  6. From Litigator to Leader: His move from frontline EFCC prosecutor to DPP represents a transition from conducting cases to overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions and setting institutional strategy.
  7. A Man of Faith: Outside the courtroom, Oyedepo serves as an Assistant Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is a married father of four.
Oyedepo’s appointment signals an intent to embed deep anti-corruption expertise at the heart of Nigeria's prosecutorial system.

Sources: Premium Times, Business Day