The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it will duly investigate a corruption petition filed by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, citing its statutory mandate to probe allegations of abuse of office and financial impropriety.
Dangote, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), submitted the petition to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, accusing the NMDPRA chief of corruption, abuse of office, and financial impropriety.
Hours after the petition was filed, the ICPC formally acknowledged its receipt and assured the public that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated in line with the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, from Aliko Dangote through his lawyer,” the Commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, said in a statement posted on its official social media platforms.
“The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed. The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”
In the petition, Dangote alleged that Ahmed spent more than $7 million, without evidence of lawful income, on the education of his four children in schools in Switzerland, paying tuition fees upfront for a period of six years.
The Kano-born businessman further alleged that the NMDPRA boss abused his office to embezzle and divert public funds for personal benefit, to the detriment of Nigerians.
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment, and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under Section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” the petition read in part.
“Upon a successful prosecution of such a person, under Section 19 of the ICPC Act, the person is liable to imprisonment for five years without an option of fine.”
The petition further stated:
“We make bold to state that the ICPC is strategically positioned, alongside sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and other corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders.
“In view of the above, we call on the Commission under your leadership to investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.
“We have no reservation that, being a matter now in the public domain, the Commission will not close its eyes to it but will act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is protected.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has summoned both parties over the dispute, urging them to refrain from making further public statements on the matter.
According to the lawmakers, the public feud could undermine the gains recorded in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NMDPRA nor its Chief Executive Officer has issued an official response to the allegations.
