ICPC Invites Aliko Dangote for Evidence in Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA MD Farouk Ahmed

Aliko Dangote and Ahmed Farouk

ICPC Invites Aliko Dangote for Evidence in Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA MD Farouk Ahmed

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has summoned business magnate Aliko Dangote for additional information regarding his petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. Dangote is expected to appear in person or send his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), as the investigation formally commences.

Sources revealed that ICPC has constituted a panel of experienced investigators to handle the probe. The commission has also requested that Dangote submit supporting evidence for the petition, which accuses Ahmed of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, including spending millions of dollars on the education of his four children in exclusive schools in Switzerland.

Dangote further alleged that Ahmed engaged in economic sabotage by undermining domestic refining through collusion with international traders and oil importers, allegedly via the continued issuance of import licences. Ahmed resigned from his post following the allegations, but the ICPC has confirmed that the investigation will proceed.

A source at the commission said: “ICPC has set up a specialized team to investigate Dangote’s petition. He or his lawyer will present relevant documents or evidence, after which Ahmed will be asked to respond to the allegations. The resignation of Ahmed does not affect the probe, which is in the public interest.”

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The petition, submitted on December 16, 2025, alleges that Ahmed spent over $7 million of public funds on his children’s education over six years. Dangote’s legal team named the children and their schools, providing specific amounts for verification. The businessman argued that these actions constitute abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment, and embezzlement, all offenses under Section 19 of the ICPC Act 2000, which carries a penalty of five years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The petition follows a previous N100 billion lawsuit filed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against NMDPRA and others, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), challenging the issuance of import licences despite domestic refining capacity. The lawsuit was discontinued in July 2025.

ICPC guidelines require that petitions contain detailed allegations, names and addresses of parties involved, and supporting evidence, which can be submitted physically or online. The commission acknowledged receipt of Dangote’s petition within 48 hours and confirmed that it will be duly investigated, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey said.

This marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of public sector officials and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws in Nigeria, with Dangote’s petition against Farouk Ahmed now formally under investigation.