The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption involving the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Dangote Group media team, the petition was submitted to the EFCC through Dangote’s legal representative. This move follows the recent withdrawal of a similar petition earlier filed before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Dangote had initially accused Ahmed of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment, alleging that the former NMDPRA boss spent about five million dollars on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Although the petition was withdrawn from the ICPC, the anti-graft agency stated that it would continue its investigation independently.
The statement explained that the withdrawal from the ICPC was a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process, prompting the filing of the petition with the EFCC instead.
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate the allegations thoroughly and prosecute Ahmed if found culpable. The petition emphasized that the EFCC, working alongside sister agencies, is well positioned to tackle financial crimes and corruption-related offences.
Dangote also pledged to provide evidence to substantiate the allegations of financial misconduct and impunity. The petition cited relevant court judgments to stress that public officials found guilty of corruption face firm legal consequences.
Dr. Onoja further appealed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to ensure a transparent and diligent investigation, reinforcing the need for accountability in public service.
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