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