The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote to appear before its investigators over a corruption petition he filed against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Sources at the ICPC said Dangote is expected to appear on Monday, December 22, or send his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to formally confirm and support the allegations. The commission has set up a special team of senior investigators to handle the case, with the approval of the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
The petition, submitted on December 16, accused Ahmed of living beyond his means, alleging that he spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in top schools in Switzerland.
 Dangote also claimed that Ahmed harmed Nigeria’s economy by issuing fuel import licences, allegedly working with foreign oil traders in a way that weakened local refining efforts.
ICPC officials said Ahmed’s recent resignation from office will not stop the investigation, stressing that the matter is of public interest. According to a source, Dangote is required to provide documents and evidence to support his claims. After the petition is formally adopted, Ahmed will be invited to respond.
The commission assured that the investigation will be fair and transparent, in line with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. If found guilty, the law provides for penalties of up to five years in prison.
The development comes after months of disagreements in 2025 between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA over regulatory matters such as fuel quality standards and the issuance of import licences. The allegations are still under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
