ICPC vows to continue probe of ex-NMDPRA CEO despite Dangote’s petition withdrawal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it will continue its investigation into a petition filed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Authority Chief Executive/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of the petition.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, the anti-corruption agency confirmed receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed.” The letter was submitted by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal representatives of Dangote.

According to the ICPC, the letter indicated that the petitioner had withdrawn the petition dated December 16, 2025, in its entirety, and also claimed that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

However, the Commission stated categorically that investigations had already commenced before the withdrawal and would not be discontinued. It cited Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of the ICPC Act, which empower the Commission to proceed with investigations in the public interest, regardless of a petitioner’s decision to withdraw a complaint.

“The investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” the Commission said.

The ICPC added that it would continue to handle the matter in line with its statutory mandate, stressing that the decision was guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.