Supreme Court Dismisses Rivers’ Suit Seeking To Prevent EFCC’s Probe Of Peter Odili

The Supreme Court has dismissed two appeals filed by the Rivers State Attorney-General and the Speaker of the House of Assembly in defence of the former Governor Peter Odili.

They sought to overturn the approval given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to challenge a longstanding court order preventing the agency from investigating Peter Odili’s tenure as governor of Rivers state.

Back in 2007, Peter Odili secured an injunction barring the EFCC from probing or arresting him, as well as investigating the finances of Rivers State during his tenure.

In response, the EFCC approached the Court of Appeal, requesting permission to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision even though the timeframe for an appeal had passed.

The appellate court granted this request, prompting the Rivers State Attorney-General and the Speaker to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

During the hearing, a five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro questioned the core of the appeal.

The appellant’s lawyer, I. A. Somiari, explained that the case was an interlocutory appeal—meaning it was focused on the appellate court’s decision to allow the EFCC to appeal the 2007 ruling.

However, Justice Okoro advised that the case should return to the Court of Appeal for the main appeal to be heard before bringing it to the Supreme Court.

Following this guidance, Somiari withdrew the appeal, and since the opposing counsel had no objections, the court formally dismissed the case.

KanyiDaily recalls that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has called on Peter Odili, to stop interfering in his affairs with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.