Protesters under the banner of the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms on Monday stormed the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), demanding the immediate suspension and investigation of Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The group accused Ahmed of misappropriating over $5 billion and alleged conflict of interest, citing his son’s employment with Oando PLC, a company regulated by the agency. They claimed the NMDPRA boss had turned the institution into a personal estate, enriching himself and his family while millions of Nigerians endure economic hardship.
Dan Okwa, convener of the protest, said Ahmed’s continued stay in office could compromise any investigation, as he could tamper with evidence, intimidate staff, or obstruct justice. He called for immediate suspension to preserve the integrity of the probe.
The protesters also demanded a coordinated investigation by anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and CCB, to ensure transparency and accountability. They insisted on a thorough review of Ahmed’s asset declarations, foreign exchange records, and regulatory decisions during his tenure. Okwa specifically called for a forensic audit of licenses granted to companies allegedly linked to Ahmed’s family.
In a further statement, the group called for the subpoena of financial and educational records related to the schooling of Ahmed’s children abroad. They urged investigators to trace tuition payments, accommodation costs, and travel expenses to determine whether public funds were misused.
The protest leaders said prosecution and full asset recovery should follow if the allegations are proven. Any property or account acquired through public funds, they insisted, must be confiscated in accordance with Nigerian law. Okwa emphasized that the goal was not scapegoating but justice, calling for an end to closed-door settlements and soft landings for public officials.
The protesters concluded by demanding urgent reforms within NMDPRA, saying the scandal reflects deeper institutional decay. They urged the federal government to carry out a full operational audit of the agency and implement digital tracking of regulatory activities, transparent procurement processes, and rigorous vetting for appointments.
They vowed to sustain protests until their demands are met and justice is served. As of the time of filing this report, NMDPRA has not responded to the allegations.
