ICPC invites Dangote to substantiate petition against ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear before its investigators or send a representative to substantiate allegations of corruption he made against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
Sources within the commission confirmed that Dangote is expected to honour the invitation on Monday, December 22, or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to formally adopt and defend the petition submitted to the anti-graft agency.
The ICPC has reportedly constituted a special panel of senior investigators to handle the matter. The panel, whose preparations are said to be completed, was approved by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
Dangote’s petition, dated December 16, alleges that Ahmed lived far beyond his legitimate earnings, claiming that he spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children at elite institutions in Switzerland. The petition also accuses the former NMDPRA boss of economic sabotage, alleging that he issued import licenses for petroleum products in collaboration with international oil traders, actions which Dangote claims undermined Nigeria’s local refining capacity.
ICPC officials stated that Ahmed’s recent resignation from office does not affect the investigation, stressing that the matter is of significant public interest. According to a source, Dangote is required to present documentary and other material evidence to support his claims. Upon the formal adoption of the petition, Ahmed will be invited by the commission to respond to the allegations.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to a fair, transparent and unbiased investigation in line with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. Conviction under the Act could attract penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.
The probe comes amid heightened tensions earlier in 2025 between the Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA over regulatory disputes, including fuel quality standards and the issuance of import licenses. The allegations remain under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this stage.
