Dangote drags ex-NMDPRA Boss to EFCC after ICPC’s withdrawal

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, through his legal representative, has filed a formal corruption petition against former Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This move follows the withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the move described as a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.

Daily Trust reports that Dangote had earlier accused the ex-NMDPRA boss of corruption and abuse of office, claiming that he spends as much as $5 million on the school fees of his children in Switzerland.

He is also at loggerheads with the NMDPRA over continued issuance of import licenses to marketers to undermine local refining.

Despite the case withdrawal from ICPC, Dangote approached the EFCC asking the agency to investigate his allegations against Ahmed.

In the petition filed by Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja S.A.N, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and prosecute him if found culpable.

The petition further stated that Dangote will provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.

“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned along with sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and corruption related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624)337.”

Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Olanipekun Olukoyede, “…to investigate the complaint of Abuse of Office and Corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”

The petition also stated that: “The commission’s firm resolve in handling this matter with dispatch is not only imperative and expedient but will also serve as a deterrent to other public officers out there with such corrupt proneness and tendencies.”

It will be recalled that on December 14, 2025, Dangote raised concerns about Ahmed’s financial dealings, alleging that the former regulator is living far beyond his legitimate means.

According to Dangote, four of Ahmed’s children attended elite secondary schools in Switzerland, incurring costs running into several millions of dollars—an expenditure that raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum industry.

He called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.

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