Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Ahmed Farouk, managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote, through his lawyer Ogwu Onoja, SAN, submitted the petition on December 16, calling on the ICPC to investigate, arrest and prosecute Farouk for allegedly living beyond his legal means as a public servant.
The petition, received by ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, SAN, claimed that Farouk spent over seven million dollars on the six-year education of his four children in Switzerland, allegedly paid upfront, without any legitimate source of income.
“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, in doing enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of Public funds running into millions of dollars,” the petition read.
“That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over 7million dollars of Public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.”
Dangote named the children and the Swiss institutions they attend, alongside the amount paid for each, to enable the ICPC to verify the claims.
He alleged that Farouk misused his position at NMDPRA to divert public funds for personal benefit, contributing to public anger and protests over regulatory failures in the downstream sector.
According to the petition, “It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission is statutorily empowered under Section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute.”
Dangote stressed that conviction under the law attracts a prison term of five years without an option of a fine.
“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has corruptly enriched himself with taxpayers’ money meant for public consumption and diverted it into private uses,” the petition read.
He further cited the legal provision: “Any Public officer who uses his office or position to gratify or confer any corrupt or unfair advantage upon himself or any relation or associate of the public officer or any other public officer shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for five(5) years without option of fine.”
Dangote expressed confidence in the ICPC, saying decisive investigation and prosecution would ensure that offenders are held accountable.
He urged the agency to act, noting that the matter has already attracted public attention and that he would provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Dangote had also highlighted regulatory lapses and alleged corruption at NMDPRA during a Lagos press briefing on Sunday, warning that unresolved allegations could undermine investor confidence.
In June 2025, protesters had raised similar claims, marching to the offices of the Attorney general, code of conduct bureau, and ICPC to demand Farouk’s resignation over alleged misuse of office.
The NMDPRA, however, denied all accusations, describing the claims as a coordinated smear campaign against Farouk and his leadership.