ICPC Summons Dangote Over Petition Against Former NMDPRA Chief

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited business mogul Aliko Dangote to appear before a special investigative panel on Monday in Abuja over a petition he submitted to the agency.

Dangote petitioned the ICPC against Ahmed Farouk, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alleging corruption and abuse of office.

A source close to the commission, who confirmed the development on Sunday in Abuja, disclosed that the ICPC has constituted a panel of crack investigators to handle the matter.

According to the source, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), directed the panel to give priority attention to Dangote’s petition.

Dangote is expected to appear in person or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), and submit evidence when the investigation into the petition officially begins.

In the petition, Dangote accused Farouk of corruption and misappropriation of funds, including allegedly spending millions of dollars on the education of his four children in high-end schools in Switzerland.

He further alleged that Farouk weakened local refining efforts by collaborating with international traders and oil importers through the continuous issuance of import licences.

The ICPC has requested Dangote to formally present his evidence and assured that the investigation would be conducted fairly and impartially.

Although Farouk has resigned his position, the commission stated that the resignation would not halt the investigation.

The petition specifically alleges that Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on his children’s education abroad without proof of lawful income, describing it as living beyond his means as a public servant.

Dangote is calling for Farouk’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution over the allegations.

Meanwhile, ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, confirmed that the commission received a formal petition from Dangote through his lawyer on December 16, against the former NMDPRA chief.

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