Africa’s foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has withdrawn his petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC has made it clear that the investigation will continue, stressing that the matter is of public interest and falls squarely within its statutory mandate.
Dangote’s petition had accused Ahmed of allegedly expending over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland without evidence of lawful income, including claims that school fees were paid upfront for as long as six years. As part of its probe, the ICPC has activated formal procedures to contact the Swiss schools mentioned in the petition to verify whether Ahmed’s children were, or are, enrolled in those institutions.
Investigations revealed that Dangote decided to withdraw his petition because a similar complaint is already being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He reportedly requested that the ICPC allow the EFCC to proceed, even though both agencies were initially petitioned.
A source within the ICPC disclosed that Dangote was earlier asked to appear in person to adopt his petition, as the law does not allow representation in criminal matters. Although a letter of withdrawal was eventually received, the commission maintained that the petitioner cannot halt an investigation once it has commenced.
According to the source, there is an inter-agency understanding between the ICPC and the EFCC that once one agency is actively handling a petition, the other may stay action. However, the ICPC emphasized that its focus is on public sector corruption and that the allegations against Ahmed warrant thorough investigation in the interest of the Nigerian public.
The ICPC’s position was formally confirmed in a statement issued by its Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. John Okor Odey. The statement acknowledged receipt of the withdrawal letter dated January 5, 2025, submitted by Dangote’s legal counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, but emphasized that investigations had already commenced.
Citing Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the commission reiterated that it would continue probing the allegations against the former NMDPRA chief in line with its statutory responsibilities, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
