Chairman of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, through his legal representative, has filed a formal corruption petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Dangote Group media team.
Dangote had earlier submitted a similar petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Although Dangote later withdrew the petition, the ICPC stated that it would continue with its investigation.
According to the statement, the decision to approach the EFCC followed the withdrawal of the petition from the ICPC, which was described as “a strategic move aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment levelled against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition also indicated that Dangote was prepared to provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and alleged impunity.
“We make bold to state that the Commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences. Upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders,” the petition stated, citing Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1624) 337.
Onoja further urged the EFCC, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to thoroughly investigate the allegations against Ahmed and proceed with prosecution if the claims are established.
