Why Dangote withdrew petition against Farouk Ahmed from ICPC

Fresh details have emerged on why business mogul Aliko Dangote withdrew a petition he filed with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Authority Chief Executive/CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Credible industry sources revealed that the petition was withdrawn over concerns that the investigation could be compromised due to the alleged presence of Ahmed’s spouse as a key staff member at the ICPC.

According to one source, the issue came to light after the petition had already been submitted.

“What we understand is that after the petition was filed, it emerged that Ahmed’s spouse holds a strategic position in the ICPC.

“While the implications were unclear, there were concerns about possible interference,” the source said.

Attempts to reach Dangote or his legal team for official comments on the withdrawal were unsuccessful.

However, sources indicated that fears of undue influence may have informed the decision.

Commenting on the development, the Principal Partner of Abuja-based O’J Law Consult, Dr Lilian Ojimma, said a petitioner has the right to withdraw a petition from one law enforcement agency and submit it to another.

“The only limitation,” she explained, “is that a petitioner cannot pursue the same petition simultaneously in two different agencies.”

Meanwhile, the ICPC has insisted that the withdrawal does not affect its investigation.

The commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, noted that there would be no interference in the probe.

“I am not aware of anyone working in the ICPC who is married to Farouk Ahmed,” Odey said.

“Even if that were the case, no one can interfere with our investigation.

“Dangote’s withdrawal of the petition does not mean the investigation has stopped. It is ongoing.”

It was also gathered that the ICPC had already contacted a Swiss school referenced in Dangote’s petition, where it was alleged that Farouk’s children attended and that about $7 million was paid in school fees.

In an earlier statement, the ICPC confirmed receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2025, from Dangote’s legal representatives, Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN & Associates, formally withdrawing the petition dated December 16, 2025.

The commission, however, stressed that investigations had already commenced in line with Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act and would continue in the public interest.

“The ICPC will therefore proceed with the investigation in line with its statutory mandate, in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Dangote has also petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the same matter.

In a letter dated December 17, 2025, addressed to the EFCC chairman and duly received by the commission.

In the petition, Dangote asked the EFCC to investigate Farouk Ahmed for alleged abuse of office, violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and corrupt and financial impropriety.

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale requested time to verify the details and had yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.