The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it has begun steps to investigate allegations made by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.
Dangote formally submitted a petition to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, accusing Farouk of corruption and financial impropriety. Shortly after the petition was filed, the ICPC publicly acknowledged its receipt and assured Nigerians that the matter would be thoroughly examined.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer,” the commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, stated in a message posted on the agency’s official social media platforms.
“The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”
In the petition addressed to the commission, Dangote, through his legal counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), alleged that the NMDPRA chief expended more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period, without any verifiable lawful source of income to justify such spending.
The industrialist further accused Farouk of abusing his office by allegedly using the regulatory agency as a conduit to embezzle and divert public funds for personal benefit, actions he claimed were carried out at the expense of the Nigerian people.
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment, and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” a portion of the petition read.
“Upon a successful prosecution of such a person, under section 19 of the ICPC Act, the person is liable to imprisonment for five years without an option of fine.”
Dangote also emphasised that the ICPC, alongside other sister agencies, is well positioned to pursue financial crimes and corruption-related offences, adding that Nigerian courts have consistently imposed punishment once a prima facie case is established.
“In view of the above, we call on the Commission under your leadership to investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly, prosecute him if found wanting.
“We have no reservation that, being a matter that is in the public domain, the Commission will not close its eyes to it but act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is protected.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has stepped into the dispute, summoning both Dangote and the NMDPRA boss while urging them to refrain from further public exchanges on the issue. Lawmakers warned that the controversy could undermine progress already made in the downstream petroleum sector.
As of the time of this report, neither the NMDPRA nor its chief executive has issued any official response to the allegations.
What you should know
The ICPC’s confirmation of an investigation marks a significant escalation in the public dispute between Aliko Dangote and the NMDPRA leadership.
Dangote’s petition centers on allegations of unexplained wealth, abuse of office and diversion of public funds, which, if proven, carry serious legal consequences under the ICPC Act. The matter has also drawn legislative attention, with the House of Representatives seeking to contain its impact on the petroleum sector.
While the accusations remain allegations for now, the ICPC’s probe will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant prosecution, making the outcome potentially influential for public accountability and regulatory integrity in Nigeria.
