- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rejected the request of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to withdraw his petition against former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, whom he accused of corrupt practices.
NPO Reported that Dangote had last month petitioned the ICPC to probe Farouk over alleged and financial misappropriation.
Dangote had filed the petition hours after disclosing how the NMDPRA boss alleged paid $5 million in school fees for his four children.
While Farouk had welcomed the probe, the ex-NMDPRA boss would however tender his resignation from the role.
Sequel to his resignation, Dangote had reportedly requested the withdrawal of his petition.
However, the ICPC Spokesperson, John Odey, noted that the commission had already commenced investigations into the allegation in the interest of Nigerians.
Odey in a statement issued on Wednesday said that the commission received a letter dated Jan. 5, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” signed by Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Dangote.
He however maintained that the investigation would continue in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.
“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.”
”The letter from O.J. Onoja SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.
”The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.
”The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.” The statement partly read.