Arewa Youths Explode: Demand EFCC, ICPC Probe NMDPRA Boss Over Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Fraud

The Arewa Youths Forum for Equity and Transparency has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over allegations of financial misconduct.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The group alleges that Ahmed spent over $5.5 million funding the overseas education of his children, raising questions about the source of such funds. In a statement released Thursday, its president, Aminu Salihu Muktar, said the scale of the alleged spending by a public official is alarming and casts a shadow over public service integrity in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu must now address a pressing ethical issue—how is Farouk Ahmed any different from Betta Edu or Babachir Lawal, who were both removed from office over integrity concerns? We expect uniform standards across the board,” Muktar stated.

According to the group, Ahmed’s children attended some of Europe’s most elite and expensive schools, including Montreux Secondary School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School. One was reportedly transferred to NIIT Pune in India. The cumulative cost of tuition and upkeep for the four children is said to be approximately $5.5 million—an amount far exceeding the typical lifetime earnings of a public servant.

“Farouk Ahmed hasn’t denied the schools attended by his children. He also hasn’t provided any evidence of a personal business, inheritance, or legal income source. He’s always worked in government. So the question remains: where did the money come from?” Muktar asked.

The forum warned that ignoring such glaring discrepancies would be irresponsible, especially given the economic hardship and growing distrust in public institutions.

“At a time when millions of children in northern Nigeria struggle for access to basic education or even school uniforms, a public official spends $200,000 per child per year on Swiss boarding schools. If this isn’t abuse of office, then what is?” he added.

Citing President Tinubu’s past action in suspending Betta Edu under similar circumstances, Muktar insisted the same principles must apply. “The facts are public, the outrage is real, and silence is no longer acceptable,” he said.

The group called for the immediate suspension of Ahmed pending an independent probe by the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau. “We are not asking for punishment without due process. We are demanding a transparent investigation. If he is innocent, the truth will vindicate him. If not, justice must prevail,” Muktar concluded.

In response, the NMDPRA firmly denied the allegations, labeling them a smear campaign devoid of credible evidence. In its rebuttal, the agency argued that the claims lack specific details or verifiable proof and should not be taken seriously.

“These baseless accusations are clearly orchestrated and unfounded,” the NMDPRA stated. It emphasized that its finances are audited regularly by internal and external auditors, including global audit firms and relevant National Assembly committees.

The Authority also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the youth group, questioning their sudden visibility and access to significant media and campaign resources.

“This energy, if genuine, would be better used by engaging formal accountability structures already in place,” the agency noted.

Despite the accusations, the NMDPRA said it remains open to credible oversight and reiterated its commitment to reforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. It emphasized that under Ahmed’s leadership, the agency has championed transparency, accountability, and fair industry regulation—moves that may threaten entrenched interests.

“These outlandish claims are simply an attempt to derail our mission and distract from the real progress being made,” the statement concluded.

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