Dangote takes corruption petition against ex-NMDPRA chief to EFCC

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has filed a formal petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former Managing Director of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over alleged corruption and abuse of office.

The petition, submitted through Dangote’s legal representative, Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, was lodged at the EFCC headquarters following the withdrawal of a similar petition earlier submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). According to Dangote, the decision to approach the EFCC was taken to fast-track investigation and possible prosecution.

In the petition, Dangote urged the anti-graft agency to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable. The legal team stated that relevant evidence would be provided to substantiate claims 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,” the petition read, citing recent judicial authorities.

Onoja further appealed to the EFCC, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and act decisively if the former regulator is found wanting. The petition added that swift handling of the matter would serve as a deterrent to other public officers with corrupt tendencies.

The development, according to Dangote, underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

It would be recalled that on December 14, 2025, Dangote publicly raised concerns about Ahmed’s financial dealings, alleging that the former NMDPRA boss was living far beyond his legitimate means. He claimed that four of Ahmed’s children attended elite secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several millions of dollars, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory integrity.

Dangote listed the schools as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School, stating that each child spent six years in the institutions. He estimated the combined cost of tuition, travel, and upkeep at about $5 million, with an additional $2 million allegedly spent on tertiary education, including $210,000 for a 2025 Harvard MBA programme.

“Nigerians deserve to know the source of these funds,” Dangote said, noting that many families in Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to afford basic school fees.

The petition calls for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.