Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Tunde Osinowo, convener of the group, said an “independent report” had indicted Ahmed of the allegation.

“This report arises from a growing crisis of confidence in the leadership of NMDPRA and by extension, the integrity of public finance management in Nigeria,” Osinowo said.

“As an independent network committed to public accountability, we have subjected these claims to due diligence.

“Ahmed has spent his entire adult life in government employment, beginning his career with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and rising through the ranks to his current position at NMDPRA.”

According to the group, Ahmed has breached the sacred trust of his office and he has failed the test of transparency.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend Engr. Farouk Ahmed from office pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by relevant agencies,” Osinowo said.

“We urge the Code of Conduct Bureau, the EFCC, and the ICPC to open an immediate investigation into the matter.

“Should any infractions be established, we expect swift prosecution in line with Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. No official, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law.

“Let it be known that we approach this matter not with malice, but with fidelity to a country in search of rebirth. Our silence in the face of such glaring contradictions would amount to complicity.

“This is not persecution—it is the minimum standard of ethical governance.”