New Director of Public Prosecutions Pledges Fair, Evidence-based Operations

Wale Igbintade

The newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Oyedepo  Rotimi (SAN) has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s public prosecution system through professionalism, independence, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement issued yesterday following his appointment, Rotimi expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN) describing the appointment as a solemn national responsibility rather than a personal achievement.

“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming goodwill, prayers, and congratulatory messages following my appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation,” he said.

Rotimi thanked Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and acknowledged the Attorney-General for finding him worthy of the appointment, noting that he accepts the role with humility and a full appreciation of the responsibility it entails.

“I receive this trust with humility and a full appreciation of the responsibility it entails,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the support of his mentors, colleagues at the bar and on the bench, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, as well as friends and family, describing their encouragement as instrumental to his professional journey.

According to him, his appointment comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s criminal justice system and requires a renewed commitment to reform-driven leadership.

“This appointment is a solemn call to service,” Rotimi said. “I am firmly committed to strengthening public prosecution in Nigeria to meet our present national challenges and the demands of the future,” he added.

He identified prosecutorial independence, professionalism, efficiency, and strict compliance with the constitution and the rule of law as key priorities of his tenure, stressing that public confidence in the justice system depends largely on the integrity of prosecutorial decisions.

Rotimi assured Nigerians that prosecutorial discretion under his leadership would not be influenced by extraneous considerations. “Prosecutorial decisions will be guided solely by the law, the evidence, and the public interest, anchored on fairness, diligence, and integrity,” he said.

He further expressed optimism about institutional collaboration, noting that effective public prosecution requires constructive engagement with stakeholders within and outside government.

“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.