Lawyers Petition House of Representatives Over Alleged Corruption by NMDPRA Chief
Protesters Demand Immediate Suspension and Prosecution of Farouk Ahmed
ABUJA, Nigeria – A coalition of lawyers and civil society groups has escalated their campaign against Farouk Ahmed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), submitting a formal petition to the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The petition outlines serious allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office, calling for Ahmed’s immediate removal, investigation, and prosecution.
Serious Allegations of Misconduct
The protesting lawyers presented detailed accusations against Ahmed, including:
- Alleged diversion of over $5 million in public funds to finance private foreign education for his four children
- Conflict of interest involving his son’s employment at Oando PLC, a company regulated by NMDPRA
- Gross misappropriation of public funds
- Systemic abuse of office
Samuel Ihensekhien Esq., one of the lead lawyers, stated: “We are here again to demand accountability and transparency from Mr. Farouk Ahmed. His actions are clear betrayal of the public trust, and it’s time for him to face the consequences.”
Growing Calls for Accountability
The protest movement has gained momentum, with multiple civil society organizations joining the call for action:
- Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms
- Concerned Young Professionals Network
- Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA)
Jnr Desmond Tabakwot Esq. emphasized the broader implications: “This is a clear case of corruption and abuse of office. We will not stand idly by while public officials loot our treasury and undermine our institutions.”
Key Demands from Protesters
The coalition has presented a comprehensive list of demands to the National Assembly:
- Immediate suspension of Farouk Ahmed
- Thorough investigation into all allegations
- Prosecution if evidence supports the claims
- Freezing of Ahmed’s domestic and international assets
- Collaboration with Interpol for potential extradition
- Sweeping reforms in regulatory agency appointments
Dr. S M Oyeghe Esq. warned: “We will not rest until justice is served. We demand that the National Assembly takes bold action to restore public trust in our institutions.”
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Sector
The petitioners argue that Ahmed’s alleged misconduct represents more than individual wrongdoing, threatening fundamental reforms in Nigeria’s critical petroleum sector. They emphasize that such actions undermine:
- Public trust in regulatory institutions
- Transparency in the oil and gas industry
- Accountability of public officials
- Nigeria’s international reputation
As pressure mounts on the National Assembly to act, this case has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to combating corruption in its vital energy sector.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report.