Alleged $5m Fund Diversion: Protesters Beg AGF, ICPC, Others Over Petition Against NMDPRA Boss

• Protests have persisted for five days in Abuja as citizens and activists demand action against NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed over alleged financial misconduct
• Protesters accused Ahmed of diverting over $5 million in public funds and compromising regulatory integrity; they urge swift action from AGF, ICPC, and CCB
• The Concerned Young Professionals Network vowed to continue until Ahmed is removed, calling for justice, transparency, and accountability in public service

FCT, Abuja - Protests have entered their fifth day in Abuja as a coalition of concerned citizens and activists intensifies calls for urgent action against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The demonstrators, in a statement cited by Legit.ng on Friday, June 27, led by the Concerned Young Professionals Network, called on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to respond swiftly to a petition alleging financial recklessness, abuse of office, and conflict of interest by the embattled NMDPRA boss.

Protesters demand accountability and transparency

According to the protesters, Ahmed allegedly diverted over $5 million in public funds, among other financial improprieties.

The group alleged that under his leadership, regulatory processes within the NMDPRA have been compromised, undermining public trust.

Led by Olayemi Isaac and Dan Okwa, the group petitioned the three major anti-corruption bodies, urging them to launch a full-scale investigation into the claims and restore integrity to the institution.

Public pressure mounts for removal of NMDPRA boss

As public pressure mounts, the protesters have vowed not to relent until action is taken.

They argued that allowing Ahmed to remain in office undermines President Bola Tinubu’s renewed commitment to fighting corruption and enforcing accountability across public institutions.

“We urge the AGF, ICPC and CCB to take this petition seriously and initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations against Engr. Ahmed. The Nigerian people deserve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources," Okwa stated during the demonstration.

Call for swift justice and institutional integrity

The group insists that the anti-corruption agencies must not shy away from their constitutional duty to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing, regardless of an official’s position.

“The AGF and CCB must demonstrate their commitment to justice. The public is watching, and we will not be silenced until justice is served,” Okwa added.

Alleged $5m diversion: Lawyers join protests

Meanwhile, the ongoing protests received a boost as lawyers and activists joined the procession on Friday.

The activists, who joined the procession under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers Network In Africa, linked up with another protesting group, Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade Network, around the head office of the NMDPRA, central district, Abuja, on Friday morning, to demand for a full investigation into the allegations against Engr. Ahmed.

The lawyers urged the government and relevant authorities to investigate serious allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office against the NMDPRA boss.

They also alleged that Engineer Ahmed has been involved in questionable expenditures, saying the revelation has sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate scrutiny.

Addressing journalists during the peaceful procession, Barr. Aquila Kend, who spoke on behalf of the groups, said their continued advocacy stems from a deep sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to the welfare and integrity of the nation, vowing to sustain the fight until the needful is done.

"We are here today, on our continuous calls to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, relevant anti-corruption agencies and the Nigerian people; demanding attention and investigation into the grave act of alleged misconduct, corruption and abuse of office, perpetrated by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority," he said.

"We shall continue to voice our disarray with the situation, as it is our civic responsibility as a people of this country to do so. We shall continue to press this until the right thing is done. We want Mr. President to succeed in his fight against corruption, and in achieving that, all hands must be on deck".

Speaking further, Barr. Kendo vowed that:

"No amount of intimidation or threats can deter us from achieving this. We shall continue to join forces with all other organisations championing this course until a thorough investigation is done and Engr. Ahmed is brought to book".

NMDPRA in safe hands under Ahmed's leadership

Previously, Legit.ng reported the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed has received massive support and a vote of confidence for his outstanding performance.

A group of 22 civil society organisations praised Ahmed’s exceptional leadership and reforms in the petroleum sector.

Source: Legit.ng