Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, has filed a petition against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, calling on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate, arrest, and prosecute him for alleged abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
The petition, dated December 16, 2025, and submitted through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, claims that Farouk spent over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, allegedly paid upfront for six years, without any lawful source of income to justify such expenditure.
Dangote accused Farouk of embezzling public funds and using his office at NMDPRA to divert resources for personal gain. According to the petition, the funds allegedly used for the children’s education far exceed what Farouk could have legitimately earned in his public service career.
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission is statutorily empowered under Section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” Dangote said. He added that a successful prosecution could attract a prison term of five years without the option of a fine.
The business mogul also expressed confidence in ICPC’s capacity to investigate financial crimes and urged decisive action, noting that addressing the allegations would uphold justice and protect public confidence in governance.
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Dangote had previously raised similar concerns in a press briefing, highlighting regulatory failures and alleged corruption in the downstream petroleum sector, warning that inaction could undermine public trust and investor confidence.
The NMDPRA, however, has denied the allegations, describing them as a coordinated smear campaign against its Chief Executive Officer.
The petition comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of officials in the petroleum sector and adds to growing calls for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.