Alleged $5bn scandal: Protesters occupy AGF, ICPC, CCB offices, demand probe of NMDPRA boss

Protesters from the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms on Monday occupied the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Abuja, demanding the immediate resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The protesters alleged the misappropriation of over $5 million in the NMDPRA under Ahmed.

They also raised the issue of conflict of interest concerning Ahmed’s son, Faisal, who reportedly works for Oando PLC, a company directly under the regulatory scope of NMDPRA.

The protesters alleged that Ahmed turned his office into a personal estate, using his position to enrich himself and his family while Nigerians struggle to survive.

Dan Okwa, Convener of the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, who led the protesters, insisted that should be held accountable for his actions.

The protesters’ demands include Ahmed’s immediate suspension, coordinated investigations by relevant agencies, subpoena of financial records, and prosecution with full asset recovery if allegations are proven.

The protesters said Ahmed’s suspension is necessary as it would ensure thorough investigation of the allegations.

Okwa said, “The allegations against him are grave, well-documented, and supported by credible evidence. Keeping him in office while investigations are pending is a threat to the integrity of the probe. He has the power to tamper with records, intimidate staff, and obstruct justice. Suspension is the only ethical response.

“Second, we demand coordinated investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau. These agencies must work together, not in isolation.

“They must scrutinize every asset declaration submitted by Engr. Ahmed, review the foreign exchange records used for the tuition payments, and examine the regulatory decisions issued under his tenure. This must include a forensic audit of all licenses granted to companies with known ties to his family.

“Third, we demand the subpoena of financial and educational records related to his children’s schooling abroad. Let the schools be contacted. Let every tuition invoice, accommodation receipt, and travel itinerary be reviewed. Let the banks produce the records. Let the truth emerge — was this funded by public money, and if so, through which channels? Nigerians deserve to know!

“Fourth, we demand prosecution and full asset recovery if these allegations are proven. Every property, account, or investment obtained with misappropriated funds must be confiscated. The law is clear. If found guilty, he should be removed from public service and prosecuted under the Criminal Code, the ICPC Act, the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, and the Code of Conduct Bureau Act. We are not looking for scapegoats — we are looking for justice. No more closed-door settlements. No more soft landings.

“Finally, we demand urgent and far-reaching reforms within the NMDPRA. This scandal reveals a deeper rot in the system. The agency must undergo a complete operational audit. Regulatory decisions must be digitally tracked, procurement procedures must be published online, and appointments must undergo rigorous vetting.”;

The protesters vowed to continue protesting until justice is served and reforms are implemented within the NMDPRA to prevent similar scandals in the future.