The group also urged Dagazau to voluntarily step aside to allow an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.
The call 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 the downstream petroleum sector.
One of the petitions reportedly contains allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against Dagazau, while the other seeks an investigation into the issuance of gas distribution licences to NIPCO Plc in parts of the South-West.
The committee’s chairman, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, disclosed during a technical briefing marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026 that two subcommittees had been constituted to conduct preliminary investigations into the petitions and submit their findings for consideration and further legislative action.
In a statement issued by its convener, Kabiru Yusuf, the Arewa youths said the development required accountability, transparency and respect for due process, given the importance of the petroleum sector to Nigeria’s economy.
The group acknowledged that the allegations remained subject to investigation and that Dagazau was entitled to the presumption of innocence. However, it argued that his suspension or decision to step aside would help protect public confidence in the investigation.
It also urged the House committee to conduct an impartial investigation, examine all relevant evidence, give affected parties a fair hearing and make its findings public in accordance with applicable laws and parliamentary procedures.
The group further called for scrutiny of the gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc to establish whether they complied with relevant laws and regulations.
The Arewa youths stressed that their 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.
They maintained that appropriate action should be taken based on the findings of the investigation.