ICPC Summons Aliko Dangote Over Corruption Allegations Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear before its investigators to provide evidence in an ongoing probe involving the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

According to sources within the anti-graft agency, Dangote is expected to appear on Monday, December 22, or be represented by his legal counsel, Ogwu Onoja, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to formally adopt and substantiate a petition he submitted against the former regulator.

The ICPC has reportedly constituted a special panel of senior investigators to handle the case, with all arrangements concluded and the panel approved by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).

The petition, dated December 16, alleged that Ahmed lived far beyond his legitimate income, accusing him of spending more than $7 million on the education of his four children at prestigious schools in Switzerland.

Dangote also accused the former NMDPRA chief of economic sabotage, alleging that he issued import licenses for petroleum products in collaboration with foreign oil traders, actions said to have undermined Nigeria’s local refining capacity.

ICPC officials confirmed that Ahmed’s recent resignation from office will not affect the investigation, stressing that the matter remains of significant public interest.

A senior source disclosed that Dangote would be required to submit documentary evidence to support the allegations before the commission formally invites Ahmed to respond.

“The resignation does not stop the investigation. Once the petition is adopted and evidence provided, the respondent will be given the opportunity to defend himself,” the source said.

The commission assured that the probe would be conducted fairly and transparently in line with the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

If found guilty, the offences carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.

The development came amid heightened tensions earlier in 2025 between the Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA over regulatory disputes, including fuel quality standards and the issuance of import licenses.

The allegations are currently under investigation, and no charges have been filed against Farouk Ahmed at this time.