The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has been dragged before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, over corruption allegations against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), Mr. Ahmed Farouk.
The suit, filed by Public Interest Lawyers, seeks the court’s permission to compel the Office of the AGF and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to initiate investigations into the allegations.
The plaintiffs, Incorporated Trustees of One Love Caring and Foundation and Reuben Boma, alleged that Ahmed Farouk has been involved in gross abuse of office and diversion of public funds for private benefit.
According to the plaintiffs, Farouk is alleged to have diverted over $5 million of public funds for the private education of four children in elite institutions abroad.
The plaintiffs claimed that this constituted a serious violation of public trust and amounts to embezzlement, misappropriation, and conflict of interest contrary to the Code of Conduct for Public officers.
The plaintiffs are praying the court for an order granting them leave to serve on the respondents an application for an order of mandamus compelling them to initiate criminal charges and take any appropriate action against Farouk.
They are also seeking an order granting leave to commence and initiate an order of mandamus compelling the respondents to investigate the several petitions, initiate criminal charges, and take any appropriate measures against Farouk.
The suit filed by their lawyer, Mr. S. Ihiensekhien Jr., stated that there were alleged and credible media reports that Farouk has been involved in gross abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The plaintiffs further claimed that the allegations have been widely reported in national and international media, with documentary evidence suggesting illicit outflow traceable to accounts linked to or controlled by Farouk.
They argued that if not thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, such conduct can erode confidence in governance and the anti-corruption regime in Nigeria.
The outcome of the suit would determine whether the AGF and CCB would be compelled to investigate the corruption allegations against the NMDPRA MD.
The plaintiffs’ action highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in public office, and the importance of investigating and prosecuting corruption allegations against public officials.
