A group of 40 legal professionals has launched a fierce defence of the head of Nigeria's petroleum regulator, following serious allegations made by Africa's richest man.
Lawyers Decry "Media Trial" and Unfounded Claims
The coalition, operating under the name Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Anti-Corruption, held a press conference in Abuja on December 16, 2025. They strongly condemned what they termed "frivolous, baseless and unfounded" corruption allegations made by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Speaking at the event, the lawyers accused the business magnate of orchestrating a malicious media trial. They warned that such actions, aimed at publicly portraying Engr. Ahmed as guilty without due process, undermine democracy, the rule of law, and investor confidence in Nigeria's critical oil and gas sector.
Allegations Dismissed as "Reckless Fabrications"
Barrister Emeka Okafor, the National Coordinator of the group, addressed the media on behalf of the 40 lawyers. He specifically dismissed claims that Engr. Ahmed received $5 million and sponsored his children's education in Switzerland, describing them as reckless fabrications with no supporting evidence.
"We find these allegations not only frivolous and unfounded but also dangerous to the stability and development of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector," Okafor stated. He emphasized that this was a clear attempt at a "media conviction" of a public officer who has not been investigated or charged by any competent authority.
The legal team highlighted the constitutional right to a fair hearing, enshrined in Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution. "Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. What we are witnessing is a blatant violation of this sacred constitutional provision," Okafor added.
Warning on Monopoly and Investor Confidence
The lawyers criticized Dangote for not using proper legal channels, such as submitting a petition to anti-corruption agencies. Barrister Mohammed Bello, Secretary of the group, stated that public sensationalism was not the appropriate course for a person of Dangote's stature.
They issued a stern warning that such "witch-hunting tactics" could deter both local and foreign investors. This is particularly concerning, they noted, at a time when President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on attracting investment to revitalize the economy.
Ironically, the coalition argued that the regulatory reforms under Engr. Ahmed's leadership at the NMDPRA—which Dangote appears to be attacking—are the very policies that enabled private sector participation. They credited these reforms with opening up the industry, dismantling monopolistic tendencies, and even facilitating the establishment of the Dangote Refinery itself.
The group reaffirmed its opposition to monopoly in the petroleum industry, insisting that Engr. Ahmed's regulatory stance has promoted competition, fairness, and the national interest. Their statement concluded with a firm declaration of the NMDPRA CEO's integrity based on their independent findings and a call for stakeholders to respect the autonomy of regulatory institutions.
