The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations that trailed the resignation of the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.
Speaking on Wednesday, the President of the NBA, Afam Osigwe, said the gravity of the accusations demanded a transparent and independent inquiry, regardless of Ahmed’s decision to step aside from office.
Osigwe made the remarks while appearing on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.
He stressed that the issue had gone beyond personal rivalry and had become a matter of national concern capable of embarrassing public institutions and the government if left unresolved.
“It will not be fair to take sides at this point.
“What is important is that there must be a proper investigation. Otherwise, it may appear as though the allegations were merely used as a tool to remove someone from office, ” he said.
According to him, a credible probe would either vindicate the former regulator or establish wrongdoing, thereby restoring public confidence in governance and regulatory oversight.
Farouk resigned earlier in the week following allegations by the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who accused him of corruption and economic sabotage.
Dangote had petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for Farouk’s arrest and prosecution.
The industrialist alleged that the former NMDPRA boss spent millions of dollars on the education of his children in Switzerland, claiming such expenditure was inconsistent with his earnings as a career public servant.
Dangote also accused him of abusing his office and diverting public resources for personal benefit.
He argued that the total income Farouk could have legitimately earned throughout his years in public service fell far short of the amounts allegedly spent on overseas education and upkeep for his children.
Ahmed, however, denied the allegations prior to his resignation, describing them as “wild” and “spurious.”
He maintained that he preferred to clear his name through formal investigative processes rather than engage in public exchanges.
The ICPC has since confirmed receipt of Dangote’s petition and stated that the allegations would be investigated.
Osigwe welcomed the anti-graft agency’s intervention, noting that a transparent process was necessary not only for justice to be done, but also to be seen to have been done.
“Let the investigation go on. Either the man clears his name, or it is established that the allegations are true.
”Anything short of that will leave too many unanswered questions, ” he said.
The controversy continued to generate debate across the country, with many observers calling for accountability and institutional reforms to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework.
