A group of 500 public interest lawyers has stormed the Presidential Villa and National Assembly with a petition demanding the immediate sack and prosecution of Ahmed Farouk, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The lawyers cited grave allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and conflict of interest against Farouk, including the alleged diversion of over $5 million of public funds to finance his children’s education in elite institutions in Switzerland and India.

Led by Samuel Ihensekhien, they also accused Farouk of employing his son, Faisal Ahmed, in Oando PLC, a private entity directly under NMDPRA’s regulatory oversight, constituting a clear conflict of interest.

The petitioners further alleged that Farouk has fled the country to evade arrest and is hiding on a private island in the United States, an act they described as “cowardly” and indicative of guilt.

” It is alleged that Mr. Farouk Ahmed diverted over $5 million of public funds to finance the private foreign education of his four children in elite institutions across Switzerland and India,” the petition reads.

“This flagrant misuse of public resources, at a time when millions of Nigerians suffer from deteriorating public education
infrastructure, is both morally reprehensible and criminally indictable.

“Mr. Ahmed’s son, Faisal Ahmed, was reportedly employed by Oando PLC, a private entity directly under the regulatory oversight of NMDPRA. This constitutes a glaring conflict of interest and a violation of ethical standards and the principles of impartial regulation.

“The actions of Mr. Ahmed represent a clear abuse of office, a betrayal of theNigerian people’s trust, and a severe breach of the fiduciary duty required of all public servants. Recent credible reports suggest that Mr. Ahmed has fled the country in an
attempt to evade arrest and is allegedly hiding on a private island in the United States. “

They demanded that the National Assembly commence an immediate investigation, recommend Farouk’s immediate sack and suspension, and collaborate with international security agencies like Interpol to ensure his extradition back to Nigeria.

The lawyers also called for the freezing of Farouk’s local and offshore assets and sweeping reforms in the appointment and oversight of regulatory agency heads in the oil and gas sector.

The petition is backed by civil society organizations, including the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, the Concerned Young Professionals Network, and the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA), who have held protests calling for Farouk’s suspension and prosecution.

The petitioners emphasised that Farouk’s actions represent a clear abuse of office, a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust, and a severe breach of fiduciary duty, and that his continued occupancy of the position threatens transparency, accountability, and reforms in the petroleum sector.

It was a morning of nostalgia, camaraderie, and legacy as hundreds of alumni of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, converged at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja for the highly anticipated “Walk to Meet” initiative organized by the Abuja Branch of the ABU Alumni Association.

Clad in branded shirts, caps, and radiant smiles, the crowd, both young and senior alumni, took to the streets in a unity walk that was less about fitness and more about rekindling the cherished memories of Nigeria’s premier northern university. The event, which was part of broader efforts to foster intergenerational bonding and strengthen alumni networks, saw men and women from all walks of life reliving the glories of their campus days.

But the undisputed highlight of the gathering was the emotional unveiling of Dr. Danjuma Sulai, a proud member of the 1973 pioneer set of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, who emerged as the “ABUSITE of the Day.”

Dr. Sulai, the current Medical Director and CEO of G&S Specialist Clinic, stood tall—both in history and presence—as the oldest alumnus at the event. His walk, steady and dignified, drew admiration from the younger generation, many of whom couldn’t hide their excitement at meeting a living embodiment of ABU’s storied past.

“Dr. Sulai is not just a doctor; he is a monument to the legacy of ABU,” said the branch chairman during the presentation. “He represents the bridge between where we started and where we are headed. His dedication to medicine and to this institution inspires us all.”

In recognition of his agility, historical significance, and institutional memory, the alumni community fittingly honoured him as “ABUSITE of the Day.” The citation drew standing applause, with many capturing the moment on their phones, eager to etch the image of a living legend into the canvas of memory.

Adding institutional gravitas to the day was the presence of the Worldwide President of the ABU Alumni Association, Dr. Mamman Kontagora, who led the national executives to the event. Dr. Kontagora commended the Abuja branch for sustaining the tradition of togetherness and for celebrating the past while investing in the future.

“This walk is more than a ritual. It is a reminder that wherever we go, we carry the spirit of ABU within us. We are not just alumni; we are a family bonded by history, excellence, and the mission to give back,” Kontagora said in his remarks.

The event culminated in light refreshments, group photographs, and plans for mentoring programs where older alumni like Dr. Sulai would interact more frequently with younger professionals and students.

As the sun rose over Abuja, the legacy of Ahmadu Bello University shone brighter—not just in the steps taken during the walk, but in the memories reignited, the bonds renewed, and the legacy celebrated through one of its oldest torchbearers, Dr. Danjuma Sulai.

*Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice is the spokesperson for the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Alumni Association Abuja Branch.

A coalition of lawyers and civil rights groups has commenced the second week of protests demanding the investigation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The protests, which began last week, are aimed at holding Ahmed accountable for alleged corruption, abuse of power, and regulatory compromise.

According to a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, the allegations against Ahmed include the diversion of over $5 million in public funds to finance the luxurious foreign education of his children.

The letter also alleges abuse of office and conflict of interest, particularly in the recruitment of his son, Faisal, into Oando PLC, a company directly under the regulatory jurisdiction of the NMDPRA.

In a statement signed by Dan Okwa, the group is also concerned about the NMDPRA’s issuance of permits for the importation of diesel with high sulphur content, which is harmful to the environment and public health.

They are demanding that the Attorney General initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations against Ahmed and set up a special investigative panel to examine all financial records linked to Ahmed and his family.

The protesters are calling for the investigation to focus on the source of funds used to pay the alleged $5 million tuition fees for Ahmed’s children, as well as any potential conflict of interest or undue influence in his official capacity.

They believe that these actions are necessary to restore public trust in the NMDPRA and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

Okwa added: “We won’t stop the protest until Engr. Farouk Ahmed is brought to justice. The allegations against him are serious, and we demand a thorough investigation.

“We will not back down until the truth is revealed, and he is held accountable for his actions. The Nigerian people deserve better than to be looted by public officials.

“We will not rest until Engr. Ahmed’s source of wealth is thoroughly investigated, and he is made to refund any stolen funds. Engr. Ahmed’s actions are a clear example of the rot in our system.

“We demand that the Attorney General takes immediate action to investigate these allegations and prosecute him if found guilty. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust.”

“We are not intimidated by the powers that Engr. Ahmed may wield. We will continue to protest until justice is served, and he is brought to book for his alleged crimes. The rule of law must prevail, and we will ensure that it does.”