In the relentless battle against corruption in Nigeria, the decisive victories are frequently secured not through media campaigns but within the solemn halls of the courtroom. Here, meticulous evidence, strict procedure, and sharp legal strategy dictate the final outcome. Standing prominently at this frontline for nearly two decades is Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), whose career has been instrumental in defining how the nation prosecutes financial crimes and recovers illicit wealth.
From EFCC Prosecutor to SAN: Building a Legacy
A dedicated career prosecutor with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Oyedepo climbed the ranks to become a Director, earning a formidable reputation for managing complex, high-stakes, and politically sensitive cases. His work has spanned prosecutions for money laundering, abuse of office, and most significantly, large-scale asset recovery, often involving intricate international financial trails and coordinated multi-agency investigations.
His professional excellence was formally recognized in 2022 when he was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee. This honour placed him among Nigeria's legal elite and was a testament to his sustained performance and profound impact on the country's legal framework, particularly in the specialised field of financial crimes litigation.
Mastering the Art of Asset Forfeiture
Central to Oyedepo's prosecutorial identity is his pioneering work in asset forfeiture, especially the strategic use of Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture (NCBF). He is widely credited with advancing the legal mechanisms that allow the state to seize and recover the proceeds of crime without always waiting for a criminal conviction, a crucial tool in combating sophisticated financial crime.
His involvement in securing a Supreme Court affirmation of NCBF's constitutionality solidified asset recovery as a cornerstone of Nigeria's anti-graft strategy. Through proceedings he has led or been integral to, courts have ordered the forfeiture of assets worth billions of naira and millions of dollars.
Notable cases linked to his efforts include:
- The forfeiture of exotic jewellery valued at approximately $40 million, linked to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
- Funds traced to accounts associated with former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.
- The forfeiture of $43.4 million and luxury property discovered in Ikoyi, Lagos.
- A massive 753-unit estate in Abuja linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
His portfolio also extends to forfeiture actions involving illegally diverted crude oil cargoes and smuggled gold, achieved through coordinated efforts with various law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Strategic Shift and Broader Impact
Beyond forfeiture, Oyedepo's record includes securing convictions of senior public officials and professionals, underscoring his role in Nigeria's most challenging enforcement operations. His influence also reached the international arena, where he served on the Federal Government's legal team in the landmark P&ID arbitration case. This dispute, which exposed critical flaws in public contracting, represented a major turning point in Nigeria's approach to international arbitration and sovereign risk management.
In October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Oyedepo as Special Assistant on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance, situated within the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. This role marks a strategic shift from frontline litigation to high-level coordination. His responsibilities now include aligning prosecutorial decisions across agencies, strengthening inter-agency compliance, and engaging with domestic and international partners on enforcement policy.
This appointment reflects a growing understanding that effective anti-corruption efforts require seamless institutional coherence. By operating at the intersection of investigation, prosecution, and policy, Oyedepo has become a pivotal figure in synchronising Nigeria's anti-corruption machinery.
Educated at the University of Ilorin and the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Oyedepo was called to the Bar in 2008. His accolades include EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year (2014) and Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor (2020). He is a member of several prestigious legal associations and is globally regarded as an authority on asset forfeiture.
Away from the courtroom, Oyedepo is a dedicated family man, married to Dr. Victoria Oluwabunmi Rotimi-Oyedepo with whom he has four children. He also serves as an Assistant Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, anchoring his life in faith and service. As Nigeria continues to refine its anti-corruption framework, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, remains a defining legal professional shaping the state's confrontation with financial crime through law, strategy, and institutional reform.
