Nigeria's public prosecution system is set for a significant shift under new leadership. Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), officially assumed office as the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) on 8 January 2026. In his inaugural address, he made a firm commitment to overhaul the nation's approach to criminal prosecution, placing a premium on professionalism, independence, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law.
A Solemn Call to National Service
Oyedepo began by expressing 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 following his appointment as deeply humbling. The senior lawyer was quick to frame his new position not as a personal achievement but as a solemn national responsibility that arrives at a critical juncture for the country's criminal justice framework.
He acknowledged the instrumental support received throughout his career from mentors, colleagues at the Bar and Bench, various law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, friends, and family. Oyedepo emphasized that his tenure must be defined by a renewed sense of duty and a reform-minded leadership style to meet contemporary national challenges.
Core Priorities: Independence, Integrity, and the Rule of Law
The newly appointed DPPF outlined a clear roadmap for his administration. His key priorities will focus on ensuring prosecutorial independence, elevating professionalism, driving efficiency, and enforcing strict compliance with the Constitution. He stressed that the overall credibility of Nigeria's justice system is intrinsically linked to the integrity of decisions made by prosecutors.
In a strong assurance to the Nigerian public, Oyedepo declared that prosecutorial discretion under his watch would be shielded from any external influence or ulterior motives. "Prosecutorial decisions under my leadership will be guided solely by law, evidence, and the public interest," he stated firmly. He anchored this promise on the core principles of fairness, diligence, and integrity, signaling a departure from practices that may have been perceived as politically influenced.
Building a Collaborative and Future-Ready System
Looking ahead, Oyedepo expressed optimism about fostering robust collaboration across institutions. He recognized that effective public prosecution cannot operate in a vacuum and requires constructive engagement with all stakeholders, both within government and in the wider society.
"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. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for tackling complex crimes and restoring public trust in the legal process. His appointment marks a new chapter aimed at strengthening the bedrock of Nigeria's criminal justice delivery.
