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Abuja: Protesters Occupy Public Offices, Call for NMDPRA Boss Probe
Despite heavy rainfall, a group of activists, identifying themselves as Concerned Lawyers and Civil Rights Campaigners for Change, recently extended their protest to the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Abuja.
They are calling for a thorough investigation into significant corruption allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The demonstrators, who commenced their peaceful sit-in earlier in the week, have maintained their presence, emphasizing that the gravity of the accusations and their potential impact on public trust in regulatory bodies necessitate prompt government action.
They demandwd that Engr. Ahmed misused over $5 million in public funds to finance the private foreign education of his four children at exclusive international institutions.
The protesters voiced their concerns with chants such as “Probe Farouk Ahmed Now!” and “Public Office is Not a Family ATM.”
Comrade Istifanus Bawa, the group’s leader, informed journalists that their protest will continue until the administration of President Bola Tinubu initiates transparent investigations and suspends Engr. Ahmed from his position.
“We are here today, demonstrating our commitment to accountability,” Bawa stated. “The allegations of corruption concerning the NMDPRA are deeply troubling. We believe the Attorney General, the ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau must act decisively to uphold integrity.”
This protest follows the release of a detailed open letter sent to the Attorney General and anti-corruption agencies, outlining a series of allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed. The widely circulated letter claims that the NMDPRA boss used illicit methods to fund his children’s education at prestigious schools, including Institut Le Rosey and Aiglon College in Switzerland, where annual fees are substantial.
According to Bawa, the group possesses “credible intelligence, including financial documents and whistleblower reports,” suggesting that tuition payments were allegedly channeled through third-party accounts and other means designed to avoid detection.
“These are serious allegations of financial impropriety and potential conflicts of interest,” Bawa remarked, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the concerns raised.
At the ICPC headquarters, protesters briefly restricted access to the main entrance while presenting a petition. They requested an immediate lifestyle audit of the NMDPRA CEO and a coordinated investigation involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the CCB, and international partners.
Barr. Amaka John-Eze, a civil rights lawyer who joined the protest, highlighted the legal community’s responsibility to challenge what she described as “elite impunity.”
“Allowing such serious allegations to go unaddressed can undermine public confidence,” she explained. “It is essential to ensure that public servants are held to the highest standards of integrity.”
The protesters also raised concerns about one of Engr. Ahmed’s children, Faisal Ahmed, reportedly working at Oando PLC, a company regulated by the NMDPRA. This situation, they suggest, could indicate a conflict of interest and potential favoritism.
“These allegations go beyond just financial misconduct; they speak to the integrity of our institutions,” Bawa added.
The group’s petition outlines several key demands: the immediate suspension of Engr. Ahmed, a forensic audit of his personal and associated bank accounts, a comprehensive inquiry into all approvals made under his leadership, and potential criminal prosecution under relevant Nigerian laws.
“Our commitment is clear. We will continue our advocacy until these allegations are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken,” Bawa affirmed.
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