Alleged corruption: New twist as Dangote takes another action against ex-NMDPRA boss, Farouk

The Chairman of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, has lodged a formal petition alleging corruption against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Farouk Ahmed, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Dangote Group media team and made available to our correspondent.

Dangote had previously approached the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, requesting an investigation into allegations that Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Although the petition was withdrawn earlier this week, the ICPC had stated that its investigation would proceed.

According to the statement, the decision to submit the petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”

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The petition, signed by Lead Counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, called on the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if the claims are established.

It further noted that Dangote was prepared to present evidence in support of the allegations of financial misconduct and impunity.

“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.

Onoja also appealed to the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”