ICPC confirms receipt of Dangote’s petition against NMDPRA Chief, assures of thorough investigation
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it has received a formal petition from billionaire industrialist and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleging corruption and financial misconduct against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
The anti-graft agency disclosed on Tuesday that it would commence a detailed investigation into the allegations, following the submission of the petition earlier in the day through Dangote’s legal representative, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN).
In a statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, Mr. John Odey, the ICPC acknowledged the petition and assured Nigerians that the claims would be examined in line with its statutory mandate.
The commission noted that the petition specifically targets the head of the NMDPRA and relates to alleged acts of corruption and abuse of office.
According to the petition, Dangote accused the NMDPRA chief of engaging in financial impropriety, including the alleged expenditure of more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period, without verifiable evidence of legitimate income to support such expenses.
”The petition further alleged that public funds were misappropriated through the regulatory agency for personal benefit, actions said to be contrary to public interest and established codes of conduct for public officers.”
Dangote’s legal team argued that the allegations, if proven, amount to corrupt enrichment, abuse of office, and embezzlement, offences for which the ICPC was empowered to investigate and prosecute under existing laws.
The petition urged the commission to act decisively, stressing that accountability is essential to protect public trust and preserve the integrity of the current administration.
The ICPC, in response, reiterated its commitment to due process, stating that all petitions received by the commission are treated with seriousness and investigated without prejudice.
Meanwhile, the controversy has drawn the attention of the National Assembly.
The House of Representatives has summoned both Dangote and the NMDPRA leadership, directing them to refrain from further public exchanges on the matter while legislative oversight efforts are ongoing.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the dispute could undermine regulatory stability and negatively affect progress in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NMDPRA nor its chief executive has issued an official response to the allegations.
The silence has continued even as public debate around the issue intensifies, given the prominence of the individuals and institutions involved.
The unfolding developments mark a significant moment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the governance of the petroleum sector, with many stakeholders closely watching how the ICPC’s investigation will proceed and what implications it may have for regulatory accountability in the industry.
