Aliko Dangote has withdrawn a petition earlier submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Authority Chief Executive and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

A letter dated January 5, 2025, written by Dangote’s legal counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, formally informed the anti-graft agency of the decision to discontinue the petition. The correspondence, titled Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, stated that the complaint had been withdrawn in full, adding that the matter is now being handled by another government law enforcement agency.

Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC has made it clear that its investigation will not be halted. The Commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed receipt of the letter but emphasized that ongoing inquiries would proceed in line with the agency’s legal mandate.

According to Odey, the ICPC had already commenced investigations before the notice of withdrawal was received. He noted that under relevant provisions of the ICPC Act, the Commission is empowered to continue probing matters deemed to be in the public interest, regardless of whether a petitioner decides to step back.

“The Commission will proceed with its investigation in line with its statutory responsibilities,” Odey said, stressing that the move is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and the broader fight against corruption in the country.