Dangote Petitions ICPC, Calls for Investigation of NMDPRA Chief over Alleged Corruption

Chairman of Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), requesting an investigation into the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of corruption.

The petition, submitted on Tuesday through Dangote’s legal team led by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, urged the ICPC to arrest and prosecute the NMDPRA boss, whom Dangote accused of living beyond his lawful earnings as a public official.

Dangote alleged that Ahmed paid more than $7 million in tuition fees for four of his children attending different schools in Switzerland, with the fees reportedly paid upfront for six years.

To support his claims and assist the ICPC’s investigation, Dangote reportedly provided details including the names of Ahmed’s four children, the Swiss schools they attend, and the amounts allegedly paid for each of them.

He further accused the NMDPRA chief of using his office to embezzle and divert public funds for personal benefit, a situation he claimed had recently triggered protests by various groups.

Dangote also argued that Ahmed had spent his entire working life in Nigeria’s public sector, insisting that his cumulative earnings could not legitimately amount to the over $7 million allegedly used to pay the foreign tuition fees.

“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of 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,” Dangote said.

He added:
“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.”

Dangote further stated that the ICPC, working alongside sister agencies, is well positioned to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, stressing that courts would not hesitate to punish offenders where a prima facie case is established.

“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,” the petition read.

He also expressed confidence that the ICPC would act decisively, noting that the matter is already in the public domain and that firm action would help safeguard the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Dangote concluded by stating that he is ready to present evidence to substantiate his allegations if invited by the ICPC.

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