Arewa youths have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr Mumuni Dagazau, over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office currently under investigation by the House of Representatives.
The group also urged Dagazau to voluntarily step aside pending the outcome of the investigation, arguing that his continued stay in office could raise concerns about the credibility and independence of the process.
The demand follows the commencement of preliminary investigations by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) into two petitions concerning alleged misconduct and regulatory issues in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
One of the petitions reportedly accuses Dagazau of money laundering and abuse of office, while the other seeks an investigation into the issuance of gas distribution licences to NIPCO Plc in parts of the South-West, including calls for their suspension or cancellation.
The committee’s chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had disclosed during a technical briefing marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026 that two subcommittees had been constituted to investigate the petitions and submit their findings for further legislative action.
Reacting to the development in a statement, the convener of Arewa Youths, Kabiru Yusuf, described the allegations as serious, insisting that they require transparency, accountability and strict adherence to due process.
The group, however, acknowledged that the allegations against Dagazau remain unproven and that he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
It maintained that suspending the NNPCL executive pending the conclusion of the investigation would help protect the process from potential interference and strengthen public confidence in the state-owned oil company.
“Public confidence in the NNPCL and the wider petroleum industry must not be undermined by any perception of interference, institutional protection or lack of accountability,” the statement said.
The youths further called on the House committee to conduct an impartial investigation, examine all relevant evidence and ensure that all parties are given a fair hearing.
They also demanded a thorough review of the gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc to establish whether they complied with applicable laws, regulations and established procedures.
According to the group, Nigeria’s petroleum sector is too strategic to operate under unresolved allegations, particularly at a time when citizens are facing economic hardship and rising living costs.
It stressed that its demand was not a declaration of guilt against Dagazau or NIPCO Plc but a call for an investigation free from political influence, institutional interference or preferential treatment.
The group urged the relevant authorities to ensure that any eventual action against the individuals or corporate entities involved is based on the findings of the investigation.
It added that no public official, regardless of position or influence, should be exempt from legitimate scrutiny under the law.
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