In a significant move aimed at strengthening the nation's legal framework, President Bola Tinubu has orchestrated a major appointment within the Federal Civil Service.
Oyedepo's New Role in the Justice Ministry
President Tinubu has approved the transfer of Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the mainstream Federal Civil Service. His new position is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The appointment was confirmed through a letter dated December 23, 2025, signed by Omolabake Mafe on behalf of the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission. The letter stated that the decision was made in the public interest.
According to a statement released by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information & Public Relations in the State House, Oyedepo will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Mr. Abubakar Babadoko. Babadoko is set to complete his mandatory eight-year tenure as a director on December 31, 2025.
A Legal Luminary with a Stellar Track Record
Rotimi Oyedepo brings a wealth of prosecutorial experience to his new role. He is a 2007 Law graduate from the University of Ilorin and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008 after attending the Nigerian Law School.
Before this strategic appointment, Oyedepo served at the EFCC for over 15 years, specializing in the prosecution of complex economic and financial crimes. His roles included heading the anti-graft agency's Monitoring Unit. His notable achievements include:
- Being a key member of the Federal Government's legal team in the landmark Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) vs The Federal Republic of Nigeria case.
- Being named EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year in 2014.
- Receiving the award for Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor in 2019.
Strategic Implications for Government Prosecutions
This appointment is seen as a strategic step by the Tinubu administration to bolster the federal government's legal capabilities. In his capacity as DPP, Oyedepo is expected to deploy his extensive expertise to reduce the government's reliance on external counsel for critical prosecutions.
The move is also anticipated to ensure greater coherence, consistency, and effectiveness in the Federal Government's legal strategies. By bringing a seasoned prosecutor from a key agency like the EFCC into the heart of the Justice Ministry, the government aims to streamline and strengthen its approach to major legal battles, particularly in areas of financial crimes and asset recovery.
This reshuffle highlights the administration's focus on placing experienced specialists in pivotal roles to enhance service delivery and governance.
