The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear before its investigators or be represented by counsel to substantiate a petition alleging corruption against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Dangote is expected to honour the invitation on Monday, December 22, or send his lawyer, Mr Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to formally adopt and defend the allegations contained in the petition. The ICPC has reportedly constituted a special panel of senior investigators to handle the case, with the panel’s establishment approved by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
The petition, dated December 16, accuses Ahmed of living far beyond his legitimate means. According to Dangote, the former NMDPRA chief allegedly spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children at high-end private schools in Switzerland, a lifestyle he claims is inconsistent with Ahmed’s known income from public service.
Beyond the allegations of unexplained wealth, Dangote also accused Ahmed of economic sabotage. The petition alleges that while serving as head of the NMDPRA, Ahmed issued import licences for refined petroleum products in a manner that favoured foreign traders, allegedly in collusion with international oil companies. Dangote claimed that such actions undermined Nigeria’s local refining capacity, including operations at the Dangote Refinery, and ran contrary to the country’s economic and energy security interests.
ICPC officials said the recent resignation of Farouk Ahmed from his position does not affect the ongoing investigation. According to a source familiar with the matter, the probe will proceed due to its public interest implications.
“His resignation does not halt the investigation,” the source said. “Mr Dangote is required to provide documentary evidence and other materials to support his claims. Once the petition is formally adopted, Mr Ahmed will be invited to respond to the allegations.”
The commission assured that the investigation would be conducted in a fair, transparent and unbiased manner in line with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. Under the Act, a conviction for corruption-related offences can attract penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offence.
The development follows months of heightened tension between the Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA earlier in 2025 over regulatory issues, including fuel quality standards and the issuance of import licences for petroleum products.
While the allegations have generated significant public attention, the ICPC stressed that no charges have been filed at this stage and that all parties involved remain innocent until proven guilty. The commission reiterated its commitment to due process as the investigation unfolds.
