The newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), officially assumed office on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, with a firm commitment to overhaul the nation's prosecution system. He vowed that his leadership would be defined by evidence-based decisions, strict professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the rule of law.
A Solemn Call to National Service
In his inaugural address, Rotimi expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation for entrusting him with the pivotal role. He described the overwhelming wave of goodwill and congratulatory messages as deeply humbling, emphasizing that he views the position not as a personal achievement but as a solemn national responsibility.
"This appointment is a solemn call to service," Rotimi stated. "I am firmly committed to strengthening public prosecution in Nigeria to meet our present national challenges and the demands of the future." He acknowledged that his appointment comes at a critical juncture for the country's criminal justice apparatus, necessitating a reform-minded approach and a renewed sense of duty.
Core Pillars: Independence, Professionalism, and Integrity
The senior advocate outlined the foundational principles that will guide his tenure. He identified prosecutorial independence, professionalism, operational efficiency, and strict compliance with the Constitution as his top priorities. Rotimi stressed that the credibility of the entire justice system hinges on the integrity of prosecutorial decisions.
He gave Nigerians a firm assurance, declaring that prosecutorial discretion under his watch would be shielded from any external pressures or irrelevant considerations. "Prosecutorial decisions under my leadership will be guided solely by law, evidence, and the public interest," he affirmed. "They will be anchored on the timeless principles of fairness, diligence, and integrity."
Building a Collaborative and Future-Ready System
Recognizing that effective prosecution cannot operate in isolation, Rotimi highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration. He pointed out that building a robust system requires constructive engagement with a wide array of stakeholders, both within government and in civil society.
He extended gratitude to his mentors, colleagues at the Bar and on the Bench, various law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, friends, and family for their support throughout his career. Looking forward, Rotimi expressed optimism about working together to forge a more credible justice system. "I look forward to constructive engagement and cooperation as we work together to build a credible, formidable, and future-ready public prosecution system for our nation," he added.
