Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially launched an investigation into damning corruption allegations leveled by businessman Aliko Dangote against the recently resigned head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The anti-graft agency has summoned Dangote to appear before a special panel of investigators on Monday to formally adopt his petition and provide evidence to support his claims.
Ahmed’s resignation from his post will not halt the probe, an ICPC source confirmed, stating the investigation is in the public interest.
The case stems from a petition filed by Dangote on December 16, accusing Ahmed of widespread corruption, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment.
Specifically, Dangote alleged
that Ahmed spent over $7 million—an amount far exceeding his legitimate earnings as a public servant—on his four children’s education in Switzerland, reportedly paying their school fees six years in advance.
Dangote’s petition included the names of the children and their schools, urging the ICPC to verify the claims as “clear evidence of corrupt enrichment.”
He further accused Ahmed of using his regulatory position to embezzle public funds and pursue private interests, thereby frustrating local refining efforts and harming the Nigerian economy.
The ICPC has signaled the seriousness of the matter by assembling a team of “crack investigators” to handle the case.
The commission will follow due process, first having Dangote or his legal representative substantiate the petition before formally presenting the allegations to Ahmed for his response.
An ICPC source emphasized that the agency will be fair to all parties but also noted that its enabling law prescribes up to five years imprisonment for public officers who use their position for corrupt advantage, while also stipulating harsh penalties for those who make frivolous or malicious petitions.
