The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into corruption allegations leveled against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.
Farouk resigned from office after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, accused him of corruption and economic sabotage, and subsequently petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the claims.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, NBA President Afam Osigwe said an investigation was necessary despite Farouk’s resignation, stressing that the matter should not be swept under the carpet.
Osigwe noted that it would be inappropriate to take sides, adding that the allegations have become embarrassing for public officials and the government. He welcomed the ICPC’s indication that it would probe the claims, warning that the allegations should not be used merely as a pretext to remove someone from office.
According to him, a transparent investigation would either clear Farouk’s name or establish his culpability if the allegations are proven.
Dangote had accused the former NMDPRA boss of spending millions of dollars in public funds on his children’s education in Switzerland, releasing a breakdown of the alleged expenses in a published advert. He also accused Farouk of living beyond his means, claiming that his lifetime earnings as a public servant could not justify such spending.
The billionaire further alleged that Farouk used his position to divert public funds for personal benefit, actions he said triggered public outrage and protests.
Farouk, however, dismissed the allegations as “wild” and “spurious” before tendering his resignation days later following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
