The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has insisted on having Aliko Dangote in person for the adoption of his corruption petition against former Chief Executive of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote had petitioned ICPC alleging that Ahmed spent over $7million in public funds on his four children’s education at elite Swiss schools, with fees paid upfront for up to six years.
The duo are having a running battle that stems from oil matter.
Their bickering first came to the surface when Ahmed publicly declared that Dangote Refinery fuel was substandard.
The African richest man’s other aggrievement is the granting of import licences to oil marketers.
In that regard Dangote Refinery dragged NMDPRA and others, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to court challenging the system, a suit the refinery company later withdrew.
A saga, Dangote himself hit back accusing Ahmed of illicit enrichment saying in the petition, “That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over $7million of public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.”
Consequently ICPC invited him to adopt the petition but he was represented by his lawyer, Dr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN).
The representation by proxy, according to a letter by the commission to Onoja made available to newsmen is not in order and unacceptable to ICPC.
The letter signed by Chief of Staff to ICPC Chairman, Rouqayya Ibrahim reads: “The commission acknowledges the appearance of your good self…, wherein you adopted the petition in respect of the allegations made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed on behalf of your client, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
“While the commission appreciates your representation, we are constrained to draw your attention to the fact that the matter under investigation is criminal in nature, being conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
“As you are aware, criminal investigations may culminate in criminal proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“In such circumstances, the statement and personal adoption of the petition by the complainant may be required to be tendered in court as part of the evidentiary process.
“It is therefore essential, for purposes of procedural integrity and admissibility, that Alhaji Aliko Dangote personally adopts his petition before the commission.
“Accordingly, we respectfully request that you kindly facilitate the appearance of Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the Commission’s Headquarters on 29th December 2025 at 10am, for the purpose of formally adopting his petition. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”
