Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has turned down Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s request to retract his petition against Farouk Ahmed, the former head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Dangote had accused Ahmed of engaging in corrupt practices.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ICPC’s Spokesperson, John Odey, revealed in a statement that the commission had already begun its investigation into the allegations. Odey emphasized that the investigation is proceeding in the interest of the public, focusing on transparency, accountability, and the overarching battle against corruption in Nigeria.
Odey disclosed that the ICPC received a letter dated January 5, titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed.’ The letter, signed by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, who are the legal representatives for Dangote, indicated that the petition against Ahmed, originally submitted on December 16, 2025
, had been withdrawn because another law enforcement agency had taken over the case.
The ICPC, however, asserted its commitment to continue with the investigation. Odey stated that under sections 3(14) and 27(3) of the ICPC’s enabling Act, the commission is mandated to pursue investigations that serve the interests of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state. The commission underlined its dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability and reaffirmed its role in combating corruption for the benefit of the nation.