The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it will press ahead with its investigation into corruption allegations involving the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, despite the withdrawal of a petition by Aliko Dangote.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the anti-corruption agency made it clear that the decision by the President of Dangote Industries Limited to withdraw his complaint would not stop the ongoing probe.
The clarification followed a letter dated January 5, written by O.J. Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal representative to Mr Dangote, informing the commission that the petition filed on December 16, 2025, had been withdrawn in full. The letter also indicated that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.
However, the ICPC said its investigation had already commenced and would continue in line with its statutory responsibilities.
According to the commission, sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its establishing Act empower it to investigate corruption-related matters in the interest of the Nigerian state, regardless of whether a petitioner later pulls out.
The ICPC stressed that its actions are guided by the need to promote transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption, adding that the matter remains under active investigation.
Mr Dangote had accused Mr Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office, and actions he described as economic sabotage. The former NMDPRA chief has consistently denied the allegations.
The dispute between both men stemmed from disagreements over petroleum importation policies introduced under Mr Ahmed’s leadership at the NMDPRA. Mr Dangote argued that the policies weakened Nigeria’s local refining capacity, particularly affecting his privately owned refinery.
Mr Ahmed, on his part, maintained that allowing multiple players to import petroleum products was necessary to prevent monopoly and ensure competition in the downstream sector.
Tensions later escalated after Mr Dangote alleged that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his lawful earnings, pointing to the foreign education of his children as a possible sign of misconduct.
Amid the controversy, President Bola Tinubu, on December 17, announced the replacement of the leadership of both the NMDPRA and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Mr Dangote’s withdrawal of the petition came less than a month after Mr Ahmed was removed from office.
