The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear before a special panel of investigators on Monday in Abuja over a petition he filed against former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.
According to a source cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ICPC has set up a panel of senior investigators to examine the allegations in Dangote’s petition. The commission directed that the inquiry focus specifically on the issues raised, with Dangote expected to appear in person or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN). He has been asked to provide supporting documents and evidence to aid the investigation, which the ICPC assures will be fair to all parties.
In the petition, Dangote accused Farouk of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, alleging that the former regulator spent millions of dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland without verifiable lawful income. Dangote also claimed that Farouk undermined domestic refining by colluding with international traders through the continued issuance of petroleum import licences, weakening local refining capacity.
Despite Farouk’s resignation, the ICPC has stated that the investigation will proceed. Dangote is seeking Farouk’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for allegedly living beyond his means as a public official. ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that the petition was formally received on December 16 through Dangote’s legal representative.
Earlier, Dangote had publicly raised the allegations during a media briefing on challenges in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector, questioning how Farouk could afford $5 million for his children’s secondary school education abroad while ordinary Nigerians face financial hardships.
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