By Kunle Sanni –
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has withdrawn his petition against Ahmed Farouk, the former chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The ICPC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey.
Dangote had, in December 2025, petitioned the anti-corruption agency through his lawyer, O.J. Onoja, SAN, alleging corruption and financial impropriety against Farouk. In the petition, Dangote called for Farouk’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution, accusing him of living beyond his means while in public office.
The businessman specifically alleged that the former NMDPRA chief spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period, without lawful income to justify such expenditure.
Providing an update, Odey said the commission received a letter from Dangote’s lawyer formally withdrawing the petition in its entirety. He added that the letter indicated another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC said it would continue with its investigation.
“The letter from O.J. Onoja, SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16 December 2025, submitted against Engineer Ahmed Farouk, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA, in its entirety, and that another law enforcement agency has taken over,” the statement read.
“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that, in line with sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.”