ICPC launches probe into NMDPRA CEO following Dangote petition
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has declared that it will commence investigation into the allegations leveled against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed by billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote.
According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson John Odey on Tuesday, the petition was submitted through Dangote’s legal representative earlier in the day and will be subjected to thorough investigation.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirms the receipt of a formal petition today, Tuesday, 16th December 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed,” the statement read.
Dangote, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, accused Ahmed of corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
Business mogul and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) urging the anti-graft agency to investigate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, for alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office.
In a petition dated December 16 and addressed to ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, Dangote accused Ahmed of living beyond his lawful earnings as a public officer.
The petition claims that Ahmed spent more than $7 million over six years to pay for the overseas education of his four children in Switzerland, without any verifiable source of income to justify such expenditure.
Dangote further alleged that Ahmed misappropriated public funds and used his position at the NMDPRA for personal gain, contributing to public discontent and protests in the downstream petroleum sector.
The petition included details of the children, the schools they attended, and the amounts allegedly paid, requesting ICPC to verify the claims.
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the code of conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement constitute gross acts of corrupt practices,” Dangote stated, citing Section 19 of the ICPC Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute such offences.
Dangote emphasized his readiness to provide supporting documents and urged the ICPC to act promptly to uphold accountability and safeguard public confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
If established, the allegations could lead to prosecution with a prison term of up to five years under the ICPC Act, with no option of a fine.