A growing crowd of protesters continues to camp daily outside the Abuja offices of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for a thorough probe into serious corruption allegations leveled against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The tension around the NMDPRA boss stems from allegations that he diverted over $5 million in public funds to sponsor the lavish foreign education of his children. The protesters are not only demanding answers — they are insisting on justice.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters have set up a steady sit-in, accusing Farouk Ahmed of abusing his position for personal gain and betraying the trust of Nigerians. Beyond the alleged diversion of public funds, they are also raising red flags over conflict of interest and nepotism. Specifically, they want the ICPC and CCB to investigate how his son, Faisal, landed a job with Oando PLC — a company directly under the regulatory oversight of the NMDPRA.
“The allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed are serious and demand immediate action,” said Olayemi Isaac, who has been leading the protest. “We won’t let him continue to abuse his office and undermine the integrity of the NMDPRA. We’ll stay here until justice is done.”
But that’s not all.
The group is also spotlighting what they describe as regulatory compromise under Ahmed’s leadership, particularly the approval of permits for importing diesel with high sulphur content — a move they argue is putting both the environment and public health at serious risk.
“The stench of corruption from the NMDPRA is unbearable,” Olayemi added. “If the Attorney General, ICPC, or CCB refuses to act, then they are complicit in the cover-up of a scandal that disgraces every law-abiding Nigerian.”
Protesters are demanding the urgent formation of an independent investigative panel to dig into all financial records tied to Ahmed — and review all permits issued under his watch. They insist that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, there must be swift and transparent accountability.
Their message is clear: no one is above the law — not even those who are meant to enforce it. And as long as answers remain buried, the protesters say they will continue to occupy the streets — fighting for a Nigeria where public office is a responsibility, not a personal ATM.
