Ahmed Under Fire: Lawyers Add Voice To Mass Protests Over Missing Millions

Lawyers and activists have thrown their weight behind the ongoing protest in Abuja, targeting Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, further intensifying the public outcry.

A coalition of activists, operating under the banner of the Concerned Lawyers Network in Africa, joined forces with the Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade Network on Friday morning to stage a protest at the head office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja’s Central District. Their collective demand: a full-scale investigation into multiple allegations leveled against the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The participating lawyers, alongside other concerned Nigerian youths, called on the Federal Government and relevant anti-corruption agencies to probe alleged misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office attributed to Ahmed.

Among the most serious accusations is the reported diversion of over $5 million, allegedly spent on the overseas education of Ahmed’s four children. This revelation has ignited public outrage and intensified calls for transparency and accountability.

Addressing the press during the peaceful demonstration, Mr. Aquila Kendo, the spokesperson for both groups, explained that their continued advocacy was rooted in a strong sense of civic duty and a desire to uphold the integrity of public service. He stressed that the protests would persist until the government acts decisively.

“We are here again to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and relevant anti-corruption bodies to take immediate action and investigate these weighty allegations of corruption and abuse of office by Engr. Farouk Ahmed,” Kendo said.

“Specifically, the claim that over $5 million was misappropriated to fund the extravagant foreign education of his children must not be ignored, swept aside, or left uninvestigated.”

He added that their campaign would not be silenced by threats or intimidation:

“This is a fight for the soul of our nation. No amount of pressure will stop us. We will continue collaborating with all organizations championing accountability until Engr. Ahmed is properly investigated and held accountable.”

Since the beginning of the week, several civil society groups have occupied the premises of NMDPRA and other government offices, demanding Ahmed’s resignation or suspension pending investigation. Their grievances include corruption, regulatory failures, abuse of office, and a blatant betrayal of public trust.

The groups alleged that Ahmed’s four children — Faisal, Farouk Jr., Ashraf, and Farhana — are enrolled in some of the most elite and expensive schools across Switzerland and India, including Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, European University Montreux, and La Garenne International School. These institutions reportedly charge annual tuition ranging from $80,000 to $140,000 — costs far beyond the reach of the average Nigerian.

According to the protestors, the funds for these expenses — which allegedly covered tuition, accommodation, flights, and upkeep — were funneled through hidden accounts, proxy relatives, and undisclosed assets that were not captured in Ahmed’s official asset declarations.