Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has submitted a fresh petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Dangote Group media team, which disclosed that the petition was formally lodged at the EFCC headquarters through Dangote’s legal representatives.
The move follows Dangote’s recent withdrawal of a similar petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he had earlier accused Ahmed of financial misconduct, including the alleged spending of about $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Although Dangote pulled out of the ICPC case, the anti-graft agency had said it would continue its investigation.
According to the statement, the decision to approach the EFCC was a “strategic” one aimed at fast-tracking the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.
In the petition signed by his lead counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to probe the former NMDPRA boss for alleged abuse of office and corrupt enrichment, and to initiate prosecution should the claims be substantiated.
The document also indicated that Dangote is ready to present supporting evidence to back the allegations, noting that the EFCC is well positioned, alongside other relevant agencies, to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
The petition cited recent court decisions to underscore the capacity of the judiciary to punish corruption once a prima facie case is established.
Dr. Onoja further appealed to the commission, under its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to thoroughly investigate the allegations against Ahmed and take appropriate legal action if he is found culpable.
