Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has petitioned Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Farouk Ahmed, former chief executive officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Gatekeepers News reports that the petition, addressed to EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede, followed Dangote’s decision to withdraw an earlier complaint filed before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Recall that Ahmed had stepped down from office on December 17 after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, while the ICPC petition was formally withdrawn on January 7.
In the new complaint, Dangote accused Ahmed of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and breaches of the code of conduct expected of public officers.
He urged the EFCC to examine Ahmed’s assets and lifestyle, arguing that they were inconsistent with his earnings while in public service.
The petition stated “We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned along with sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and corruption related offences and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624)337.”
Dangote also alleged that Ahmed spent several million dollars on foreign education for his children in Switzerland over a number of years, an amount he claimed could not be justified by Ahmed’s official income.
The business mogul said the allegations raise serious questions that require a thorough investigation by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC has not publicly commented on the petition, but the development adds to ongoing scrutiny of public officials and renewed calls for stronger accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory sector.
