Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, petitions the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The move comes days after Dangote withdraws a similar petition earlier filed with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to Mediaplusng.com, the new petition urges the EFCC to examine claims of financial misconduct, illicit enrichment, and violation of the code of conduct for public officers allegedly committed by Ahmed during his time in office. Dangote maintains that the allegations require a thorough and independent investigation by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.
Dangote initially accuses Ahmed of abuse of office and living beyond his legitimate earnings as a career public servant. In December 2025, the business mogul submits a petition to the ICPC through his legal counsel, Ogwu Onoja, citing alleged corruption and financial impropriety linked to Ahmed’s tenure at the petroleum regulatory authority.
On December 17, 2025, Farouk Ahmed resigns from office following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Days later, Dangote formally withdraws his petition from the ICPC on January 7, 2026. Mediaplusng.com reports that the withdrawal does not end the matter, as Dangote immediately redirects the allegations to the EFCC for further action.
In the fresh petition addressed to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, Dangote calls for a comprehensive probe into Ahmed’s finances. He urges the commission to investigate alleged violations including financial misconduct, abuse of public office, and breaches of Nigeria’s code of conduct laws governing public officials.
Dangote’s petition references past judicial decisions to support his request, stating that anti-corruption agencies have both the mandate and capacity to prosecute financial crimes. He argues that once a prima facie case is established, Nigerian courts have consistently held public officials accountable under the law.
Central to the petition are claims that Ahmed spends more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period. The schools listed include Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School, all known for their high tuition fees.
Dangote alleges that such expenditure is far beyond what Ahmed could reasonably afford based on his official earnings as a public servant. He argues that the scale of the spending raises serious questions about the source of funds and warrants investigation by relevant authorities.
The petition further claims that the alleged financial lifestyle reflects possible corrupt enrichment while in public service. Dangote insists that the matter goes beyond personal disputes and touches on broader issues of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public office.
As of the time of filing, neither the EFCC nor Farouk Ahmed issues an official response to the latest petition. The development adds to ongoing public debate over governance, regulatory oversight, and the role of anti-corruption agencies in holding former public officials accountable.
Observers note that the EFCC’s response to the petition may test the government’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms and restoring confidence in public institutions, especially within Nigeria’s vital oil and gas regulatory space.
