The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote to appear before its investigators in Abuja on Monday over a petition he filed against former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.
ASHENEWS recalls that the ICPC, shortly after it received Dangote’s petition, confirmed that it would duly investigate the corruption petition filed by Dangote against Farouk, citing its statutory mandate to probe allegations of abuse of office and financial impropriety.
Dangote’s petition accuses Farouk of corruption, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds during his tenure at the regulatory agency.
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A source close to the commission said the ICPC has constituted a special panel of investigators and directed it to prioritise the matter. Dangote is expected to appear in person or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to submit supporting evidence.
The petition alleges that Farouk spent over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland without proof of lawful income and undermined domestic refining by allegedly colluding with fuel importers through the continued issuance of import licences.
Although Farouk has resigned, the ICPC said the investigation will proceed, noting that resignation does not halt ongoing probes.
ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that the petition was received on December 16 and is under investigation.
