ABUJA: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed plans to investigate a petition filed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over alleged corruption and abuse of office.
Dangote, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), submitted the petition to the anti-graft agency on December 16, 2025, urging the commission to investigate, prosecute, and possibly arrest Ahmed over claims of financial impropriety.
In the petition, Dangote alleged that Ahmed spent over $7m on the education of his four children in Switzerland, allegedly paid upfront for six years, without any lawful source of income to justify such expenditure.
He accused the NMDPRA boss of abusing his office, breaching the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and diverting public funds for personal use.
The petition stated that the alleged actions amounted to corrupt enrichment and embezzlement, offences which the ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute under Section 19 of the ICPC Act. Dangote noted that conviction under the law could attract a prison term of up to five years without the option of a fine.
Dangote reportedly provided details of the children involved, the Swiss schools they attend, and the amounts allegedly paid, to enable the commission to verify the claims.
He further alleged that Ahmed’s actions had contributed to public outrage and protests by civil society groups.
Confirming receipt of the petition, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, said the commission had received a formal complaint against the NMDPRA CEO and would investigate the matter.
“The ICPC wishes to confirm that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The petition will be duly investigated,” Odey said.
However, the allegations have drawn strong reactions from lawyers, students, civil society organizations, and industry stakeholders, many of whom have dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
A coalition of 40 lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Anti-Corruption described the allegations as reckless and unfounded.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Emeka Okafor, and Secretary, Mohammed Bello, accused Dangote of attempting a “media trial” against a public officer who had not been investigated or indicted by any authority.
They argued that Ahmed’s regulatory actions were in the national interest, aimed at curbing monopolistic practices and promoting competition in the downstream petroleum sector.
The lawyers warned that public attacks on regulators could discourage both local and foreign investors, especially at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned what it described as a smear campaign against the NMDPRA boss. In a statement signed by its leadership, the students’ body insisted that regulatory institutions must not be intimidated or coerced to serve private or corporate interests.
While acknowledging its previous support for the Dangote Refinery, NANS said it would not condone character assassination against public officials, urging investors to engage regulators through lawful and institutional channels.
Similarly, over 50 civil society organisations dismissed the allegations as false and unsupported by evidence.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Ibrahim Bello of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity said internal reviews conducted by the groups found no basis for the corruption claims against Ahmed.
The organisations described the petition as an attempt to undermine NMDPRA’s anti-monopoly stance in the petroleum sector.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also threw its weight behind the NMDPRA leadership, warning that sustained public attacks on regulators could erode investor confidence and destabilise the downstream sector.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, PETROAN urged President Tinubu to intervene in what it described as a deepening conflict within the downstream petroleum industry.
The association passed a vote of confidence in Ahmed’s leadership, citing reforms, improved transparency, and regulatory clarity under his tenure.
PETROAN further warned that public announcements of petrol prices by private entities violated provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that price determination should be driven by market forces.
It also raised concerns over unresolved labour disputes at the Dangote Refinery, cautioning that prolonged conflicts could lead to supply disruptions and price instability.
Dangote, however, has maintained his position, calling for a full investigation into the source of funds allegedly used by Ahmed and urging him to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to publicly explain his finances.
Ahmed and the NMDPRA had previously dismissed similar allegations in July 2025, describing them as orchestrated smear campaigns designed to discredit the authority’s leadership.
The latest controversy underscores growing tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA over issues including import licences, crude supply access, pricing transparency, and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
As the ICPC commences its investigation, stakeholders have called for due process, respect for the presumption of innocence, and constructive engagement to ensure stability, competition, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.
