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Dangote drags Ex-NMDPRA boss Farouk Ahmed to EFCC after withdrawal of petition from ICPC

More details have emerged surrounding the decision by business tycoon Aliko Dangote to withdraw his petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Authority Chief Executive/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), from the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

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Industry sources familiar with the matter told LEADERSHIP that the withdrawal was influenced by concerns over a potential conflict of interest, following revelations that Ahmed’s spouse allegedly occupies a strategic position within the ICPC.

“What we understand,” a source said, “is that after the petition was filed, it came to light that Ahmed’s spouse holds a key position in ICPC. Although no one is sure how that might play out, there are concerns of interference.”

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Efforts to obtain comments from Dangote or his legal representatives on the specific reasons for the withdrawal were unsuccessful. However, sources maintained that apprehension about possible interference in the probe may have informed the decision.

Speaking on the issue, the Principal Partner of Abuja-based O’J Law Consult, Dr Lilian Ojimma, said petitioners are legally permitted to withdraw complaints submitted to prosecuting agencies and approach alternative authorities if they choose.

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“The only thing,” she said, “is that the petitioner cannot file the same petition in two agencies at the same time and pursue them simultaneously.”

Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC has insisted that its investigation remains active. The Commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, dismissed claims of internal interference, stressing that the probe would continue unhindered.

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“I am not aware of any person working in the ICPC who is married to Farouk. Even if it is true, I can assure you that nobody will interfere in the ongoing investigation. Dangote’s withdrawal of the petition does not mean that the ICPC has stopped the investigation. Investigation continues.”

It was also gathered that the ICPC had reached out to a Swiss school referenced in Dangote’s petition, where it was alleged that Farouk’s children were enrolled with school fees amounting to $7 million.

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Earlier, the ICPC had reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter in the public interest. According to the Commission, “The ICPC is in receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2025, titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,’ submitted to the Commission by Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“The letter from O.J. Onoja SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA, in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.

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“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.

“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.”

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Meanwhile, Dangote has also submitted a separate petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting a probe into Ahmed’s conduct.

In the petition, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate Farouk over allegations of gross abuse of office, violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, as well as corrupt practices and financial impropriety.

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Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police

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Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police

The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.

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The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.

She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.

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According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.

“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.

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She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.

The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.

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According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)

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Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation

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Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.

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According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.

Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.

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The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.

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Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.

Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.

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The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.

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Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community

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Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community

The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)

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