Dangote’s Petition: Farouk Ahmed’s Resignation Will Not Affect Investigation, Says Anti-graft Agency

Despite the resignation of the former CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, LEADERSHIP can verify that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will continue its investigation into the allegations made by Aliko Dangote.

Credible sources at the anti-graft agency confirmed to our correspondent yesterday that the resignation of Ahmed would in no way affect the ongoing investigation that had already been instituted.

The sources stated, “After receiving a petition against Ahmed, the ICPC released a statement where they officially confirmed the petition and the readiness to investigate all allegations stated therein. It is therefore unthinkable that, simply because someone resigned, the investigation would then be stopped. The investigation will continue.”

Recall that the ICPC had confirmed receipt of a formal petition from Aliko Dangote, submitted through his lawyer, against the former CEO of the NMDPRA.

The ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed that one of Dangote’s lawyers submitted a petition on behalf of Dangote.

He also assured the public that the commission would do a thorough investigation of all allegations contained in the petition.

According to him, “the ICPC writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, 16th December 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

“The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

Dangote had, during a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday, alleged that Ahmed paid about $5 million, equivalent to about N7 billion, as secondary school fees for his four children in Switzerland.
Dangote also accused the NMDPRA boss of economic sabotage, alleging that regulatory actions were being used to encourage fuel importers to undermine his refinery operations.

It is worth noting that Kunle Olubiyo, an energy expert and president of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, had urged relevant anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations made by Dangote against Ahmed, in the interest of transparency and accountability.

He described the reported sum as enormous, stating that such an amount could comfortably be used to establish a modular refinery in Nigeria.

He said, “That is humongous. That amount can conveniently establish a functional modular refinery in Nigeria.”