A coalition of lawyers and civil society organisations has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to investigate the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over the alleged misuse of public funds.
Protesters Submit Petition to AGF’s Office
On Monday, the group stormed the AGF’s office in Abuja and submitted a petition accusing Ahmed of spending over $5 million of public funds on his children’s education in elite schools in Switzerland and India. They claimed this act represented a clear abuse of office.
The petition also alleged a conflict of interest. According to the group, Ahmed’s son currently works with Oando PLC, one of the companies regulated by NMDPRA. They believe this connection raises questions about regulatory integrity.
Violations of Constitution and Anti-Corruption Laws Cited
Signed by Barrister Aquila Kendo, Convener of the Concerned Nigerian Youths Forum, the petition listed several federal laws allegedly violated by Ahmed. These include:
- Section 172 of the 1999 Constitution mandates that public officers serve the public interest and avoid corrupt practices.
- Paragraphs 1, 6, and 11 of the Fifth Schedule require a declaration of assets and avoidance of conflicting interests.
- The Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides penalties for unethical conduct, including dismissal and asset forfeiture.
- Section 15 of the Public Procurement Act (2007) prohibits public spending not backed by appropriation.
- Sections 19 and 26 of the ICPC Act criminalise unjust enrichment through public office.
- Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, which outlaws concealing the origin of public funds.
- The Petroleum Industry Act mandates NMDPRA to ensure fuel quality and safeguard public health.
The petitioners linked the regulator’s recent concerns about the quality of petrol from the Dangote Refinery to the alleged conflict of interest involving Oando.
Calls for Suspension, Prosecution, and Reform
The protesters urged the immediate suspension of Ahmed. They demanded coordinated investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
They called for swift prosecution if investigations confirm the allegations. The group also asked for systemic reforms within the NMDPRA to prevent future abuses.
“Our goal is to protect Nigeria’s petroleum sector from corruption and ensure full accountability,” they said.
The protest ended peacefully, with organisers pledging to continue their advocacy until authorities act decisively.