A civil society organization took dramatic action on Wednesday, storming the headquarters of Nigeria's anti-corruption watchdog to demand an immediate investigation into a high-profile allegation involving the chief of the nation's oil regulatory body.
Protest at Anti-Graft Headquarters
The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) led a protest to the main office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja. The group, led by its Convener, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, presented a formal petition dated December 17, 2025, calling for swift action concerning the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
The protest was triggered by a serious public accusation made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group. In a video that circulated widely, Dangote alleged that Engr. Ahmed expended more than five million United States dollars ($5 million) on secondary school education for four of his children in Switzerland. Dangote claimed to possess solid evidence supporting this claim and publicly challenged the NMDPRA boss to refute it.
The Staggering Financial Implications
The civil society organizers highlighted the profound context of the allegation. They stated that in a nation struggling with severe poverty and economic difficulties, such claims against a public official cannot be overlooked. The group performed a currency conversion to emphasize the scale, noting that the alleged $5 million is equivalent to over ₦7.2 billion at current exchange rates—a sum they labeled as both alarming and deeply troubling.
Protesters held banners with messages like "ICPC Must Act Now," criticizing the commission for its perceived silence on an issue generating intense public debate. EUYI pointed out that more than 48 hours after the allegation surfaced, and over 24 hours after their petition was submitted, there had been no public denial or clarification from Engr. Ahmed.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
In its petition, the organization urged the ICPC to promptly summon Engr. Ahmed to clarify the source of the funds allegedly used for his children's overseas education, should the allegations prove substantial. The group clarified that its demand was not a critique of the ICPC's dedication to fighting graft but rather an emphasis on the need for prompt and transparent action in a matter of significant national interest.
"Nigeria is bleeding from the consequences of corruption," the petition read. "A swift, transparent investigation of allegations involving public officials is critical to restoring public confidence." EUYI vowed to continue monitoring the situation and rallying public attention to ensure accountability and good governance prevail.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing public scrutiny of the lifestyles and wealth sources of government officials. Nigeria is currently grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power. Civil society organizations and legislators have consistently pressured anti-corruption agencies to act decisively on prominent cases to deter misconduct and affirm that no one is above the law.
At the time this report was compiled, neither the ICPC nor the NMDPRA had released an official statement regarding the allegations. Attempts to obtain a comment from Engr. Farouk Ahmed were not successful.
