Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has formally filed a fresh corruption petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Dangote Group’s media team on Friday.
The move follows the withdrawal of a previous petition Dangote had submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In the earlier complaint, filed in December 2025, Dangote alleged that Ahmed had spent approximately $5 million on the secondary education of his children in Switzerland, raising questions over his source of lawful income. The petition also accused Ahmed of abusing his office and engaging in corrupt enrichment.
Dangote’s legal team, led by Dr O.J. Onoja, explained that the ICPC petition was withdrawn as a strategic decision to accelerate the prosecution process through another law enforcement agency.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC confirmed that its investigation would continue, citing its statutory mandate to pursue matters of public interest, particularly allegations involving misuse of public office.
“The letter from Dangote’s counsel indicates the petition has been withdrawn in its entirety. However, investigations already commenced remain ongoing and will not be halted, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of public interest,” ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey stated.
Following the controversy, Ahmed resigned from his position at NMDPRA. President Bola Tinubu subsequently appointed a replacement to lead the regulatory authority.
The fresh EFCC petition, signed by Dr Onoja, urged the commission, under Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, to investigate Ahmed for alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and impunity.
Dangote’s petition further emphasises that documentary and other supporting evidence will be made available to substantiate the claims. The petition cites Nigerian legal precedents, including Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) and Shema v. F.R.N (2018), which affirm that the EFCC is empowered to prosecute financial crimes when a prima facie case is established.
