The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of corruption made by businessman Aliko Dangote against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
As part of the process, the ICPC has invited Dangote to appear before its investigators or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to formally adopt and support the petition submitted to the commission. A special panel of investigators has been constituted to handle the case.
Sources at the commission disclosed that Dangote has been asked to provide documents and other evidence to substantiate the allegations, in line with ICPC guidelines requiring petitioners to support claims made against public officials.
The petition accuses Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds, including the alleged spending of over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland without lawful income to justify such expenses.
Dangote also alleged that the former NMDPRA boss engaged in economic sabotage by undermining domestic refining through the continued issuance of petroleum import licences, allegedly in collusion with international traders and oil importers.
Although Ahmed has resigned from office, the ICPC said his exit would not affect the investigation, stressing that the probe is being carried out in the public interest and would proceed to its logical conclusion.
After the petition is formally adopted, the commission is expected to isolate the issues raised and invite Ahmed to respond to the allegations, with assurances that all parties will be treated fairly.
The ICPC confirmed receipt of the petition on December 16, 2025, noting that it would investigate the claims in accordance with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.