KEY POINTS
- The move follows withdrawal of a similar filing from the ICPC.
- Dangote filed a corruption petition against Farouk Ahmed at the EFCC.
- Dangote says he will provide evidence to support the claims.
Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries, has filed a fresh corruption petition against Farouk Ahmed, the former managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, this time turning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for action.
The petition was submitted through Dangote’s legal team at the EFCC’s headquarters, according to a statement released on Friday by the Dangote Group media office. The move comes days after Dangote withdrew a similar petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a step that did not halt the ICPC’s own inquiry.
Dangote first accused Ahmed of corruption earlier this year, alleging that the former regulator spent about $5 million on secondary school education for his children in Switzerland. That petition was initially filed with the ICPC, which acknowledged receipt and said it had begun preliminary investigations. Dangote later withdrew the filing, while the commission said it would continue its probe independently.
Petition shifts to EFCC
In the new filing, Dangote asked the EFCC to investigate what he described as abuse of office and corrupt enrichment by Ahmed. The petition was signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, who said the decision to approach the EFCC followed the withdrawal of the ICPC petition and was intended to speed up the prosecution process.
The document stated that Dangote was prepared to present evidence to support the allegations of financial misconduct and impunity. It also argued that the EFCC, working alongside other agencies, is well placed to pursue corruption cases and secure convictions where a prima facie case exists.
The petition cited recent court decisions to underline that Nigerian courts have not hesitated to punish offenders once prosecutors establish sufficient grounds. It referenced Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1624) 337 as examples.
According to Punch, Onoja urged the commission, under the leadership of its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to take up the matter promptly. He asked the EFCC to investigate the allegations against Ahmed and proceed with prosecution if its findings warrant such action.
