The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened the investigation into former governor Peter Odili, a few weeks after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the political crisis in Rivers.
Odili had previously obtained a court injunction to prevent the EFCC from probing him over events that occurred 16 years ago. However, despite the injunction, Odili is now being asked to explain how over N100 billion ended up in his private account or was spent by his administration.
Odili’s troubles began during President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s time in office, when he attempted to run for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Allegations of financial impropriety in his administration led to his being prevented from pursuing the ticket.
Nuhu Ribadu, who previously served as the chairman of the EFCC, is now the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu.
Rotimi Amaechi, who was the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Odili, was arrested by the anti-graft agency to gather important information about the state’s financial transactions.
In 2008, Odili quickly sought a perpetual injunction from a Federal High Court to prevent the EFCC, its chairman, and other operatives from investigating the financial records of the Rivers State government, including himself and other officials.
However, after more than 16 years, the EFCC has announced that it is now focusing on the alleged fraud involving the former Rivers State governor.
Sources speculate that the decision to revisit Odili’s corruption case, despite the existing court injunction, may be related to his support for Governor Sim Fubara.