KEY POINTS
- Dangote has withdrawn his petition against Farouk.
- ICPC says its investigation is ongoing.
- Farouk resigned shortly after the petition was filed.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said Aliko Dangote has withdrawn a petition he filed against Ahmed Farouk, the former head of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum regulator. The agency added that the move will not halt its inquiry, which it said is already under way.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, submitted the petition in December 2025 through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja. The complaint accused Farouk, the former chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, of corruption and financial impropriety. Dangote asked the commission to arrest, investigate and prosecute the former regulator, alleging that his lifestyle was inconsistent with his income as a public official.
According to the petition, Farouk spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children at schools in Switzerland over a six-year period. Dangote argued that there was no evidence of legitimate income that could support such spending.
Petition withdrawn, probe remains
According to The Cable, in a statement issued Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the commission received a letter from Dangote’s lawyer formally withdrawing the petition in its entirety. The letter stated that another law enforcement agency had assumed responsibility for the matter.
Despite that, the ICPC said its work would continue. Odey said the commission had already begun investigating the allegations before the withdrawal notice was received. He cited provisions of the ICPC Act that allow the agency to proceed in cases where issues of public interest are involved.
“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” Odey said. He added that the commission would continue its work in line with its statutory mandate and its responsibility to promote transparency and accountability.
Regulator quit after complaint
The petition and its fallout had swift consequences. Farouk resigned as NMDPRA chief executive less than 24 hours after the petition was submitted. His resignation followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, according to people familiar with the matter.
The NMDPRA plays a central role in overseeing Nigeria’s petroleum sector, including fuel pricing, licensing and compliance. Leadership changes at the authority are closely watched by investors and industry players, especially as the government pushes reforms aimed at stabilising energy supply and improving regulation.
Neither Farouk nor representatives of the NMDPRA commented publicly on the allegations following the withdrawal announcement. Dangote Group also did not issue a statement explaining why the petition was withdrawn.
The ICPC said it would provide updates as appropriate, signalling that the case remains active despite the absence of a formal complaint from the original petitioner.
