The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced that it will continue investigating Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of the original petition filed by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote. The ICPC confirmed receipt of a formal withdrawal letter dated 5 January 2026, submitted by Dangote’s representatives, which stated that another law‑enforcement agency has taken over the matter.
The petition, originally lodged on 16 December 2025, alleged that Ahmed was involved in corrupt enrichment, including spending more than $5 million on his children’s school fees at exclusive Swiss institutions. The accusations sparked a major scandal and led to Ahmed’s resignation in December 2025. The ICPC emphasized its independence and statutory duty to proceed with the investigation, citing sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act.
The feud between Dangote and Ahmed began in late 2025, when Dangote’s massive refinery clashed with regulators over importation policies, pricing and market dominance. Dangote’s initial petition to the ICPC demanded Ahmed’s arrest, investigation and prosecution for abuse of office, corruption and living beyond his means.
The ICPC has reiterated that it will continue the investigation in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption. The probe is significant because it underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria’s public sector. As the investigation proceeds, it is expected to shed more light on the allegations against Ahmed and on the ICPC’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the country’s petroleum industry. The outcome will be closely watched, given its potential implications for Nigeria’s anti‑corruption agenda and the regulation of the petroleum sector.
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