The protest by a group of lawyers demanding the investigation of Farouk Ahmed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), entered its second day on Wednesday, as the group submitted a formal petition to the House of Representatives.
This followed a similar petition presented to the Senate on Tuesday, which reportedly assured the protesters of an impending investigation into the matter.
In the petition, the lawyers accused Ahmed of gross misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest, and abuse of office. They called for his immediate suspension and prosecution.
Speaking during the protest, legal activist Samuel Ihensekhien said: “We are here again to demand accountability and transparency from Mr. Farouk Ahmed. His actions represent a betrayal of public trust, and it is time for him to be held accountable.”
Among the allegations listed in the petition was the alleged diversion of over $5 million in public funds to pay for the private foreign education of Ahmed’s four children.
The petitioners also flagged a conflict of interest, noting that Ahmed’s son, Faisal, is employed by Oando PLC—an oil company under the regulatory oversight of the NMDPRA.
“This is a clear case of corruption and abuse of office. We will not remain silent while public funds are misused and institutions are weakened,” Ihensekhien added.
The group demanded that Farouk Ahmed be suspended from office, investigated, prosecuted, and have his local and foreign assets frozen. They also urged the National Assembly to recommend his dismissal and work with international agencies, such as Interpol, to ensure his extradition if necessary.
Additionally, the protesters called for comprehensive reforms in the process of appointing heads of regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector.
“We urge the National Assembly to take bold and decisive action to restore public confidence in our institutions and ensure that those in power are held accountable,” said Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, another protest leader.
The petition is supported by several civil society organizations, including the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, the Concerned Young Professionals Network, and the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA).