The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has been invited to provide more information regarding his petition.
Also, the anti-graft agency has said that the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, will not appear before the panel set up to investigate allegations against him by Aliko Dangote today (Monday).
This is even though the panel set up by the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu Adamu, is scheduled to commence its first sitting today, where Dangote is expected to appear.
ICPC sources told our correspondent last night that Ahmed is still treated as innocent until a corrupt case is established against him.
The sources said “Dangote’s invitation to appear on Monday is for him to provide evidence to substantiate his claims and allegations against Ahmed.
“For now, the panel will gather all necessary information from the petitioner before inviting Ahmed, who is the accused, to respond.”
Recall that the ICPC had invited Dangote to appear before it or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), at the panel sittings.
It was further reported that the ICPC on Friday constituted a panel of crack investigators to handle the probe, underscoring the seriousness attached to the matter.
Recall that the problem started when Dangote, in his petition, accused Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office and illicit enrichment.
Dangote, in the petition dated December 16 and addressed to the ICPC chairman, demanded the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Ahmed, accusing him of living far above his legitimate means as a public servant.
According to the petition, Ahmed allegedly spent over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, paying school fees upfront for six years.
