The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a formal investigation into corruption allegations levelled by billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote, against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
As part of the investigative process, the anti-graft agency has invited Dangote to appear before its officials or be represented by his lawyer, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to formally adopt and substantiate the petition submitted to the commission.
Sources within the ICPC confirmed that a special panel of investigators has been constituted to handle the case. Dangote has also been requested to provide documentary evidence and other materials to support the allegations, in line with the commission’s standard procedures for petitions against public officers.
The petition accuses the former NMDPRA boss of corruption, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds. Among the allegations is the claim that Ahmed spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, expenses Dangote alleged could not be justified by his known lawful income.
Dangote further accused Ahmed of engaging in economic sabotage by allegedly undermining local refining efforts through the continued issuance of petroleum import licences, purportedly in collaboration with foreign oil traders and importers.
Although Farouk Ahmed has since resigned from office, the ICPC stressed that his exit would not affect the ongoing investigation. The commission noted that the probe is being conducted in the public interest and would proceed to its logical conclusion.
Following the formal adoption of the petition, the ICPC is expected to isolate the issues raised and invite Ahmed to respond to the allegations, assuring that due process and fair hearing would be accorded to all parties involved.
The commission confirmed that it received the petition on December 16, 2025, and stated that investigations would be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
