LAGOS: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has insisted it will continue its investigation into the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, despite the withdrawal of a petition earlier submitted by billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote.
Dangote had petitioned the anti-corruption agency on December 16, 2025, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), alleging corruption and financial impropriety against Ahmed while he served as head of the petroleum regulatory authority.
The petition accused Ahmed of spending more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, allegedly paid upfront for six years, without any lawful income to justify such expenditure.
It also alleged diversion of public funds for personal use, claims said to have triggered public outrage and civil society protests.
However, the ICPC confirmed it received a letter dated January 5, 2026, from Dangote’s legal representatives, informing the commission that the petition had been withdrawn and that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.
In a statement, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, stressed that the withdrawal would not stop the commission’s investigation, noting that inquiries had already commenced in line with sections 3(14) and 27(3) of the ICPC Act.
“The commission wishes to state categorically that investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are ongoing, Odey said.
He added that the ICPC would proceed with the probe in line with its statutory mandate, stressing its commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
