Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has taken his corruption allegations against former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), intensifying a high-profile accountability showdown.
In a statement released on Friday by the Dangote Group, the conglomerate confirmed that it formally submitted a petition to the EFCC, urging the anti-graft agency to investigate Ahmed over alleged abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
The development comes days after Dangote withdrew a similar petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). That earlier petition had accused Ahmed of allegedly spending about $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland—claims that triggered public attention and scrutiny.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC had announced it would proceed with its investigation. However, Dangote’s legal team said the decision to approach the EFCC was a calculated move to fast-track accountability.
According to the statement, the petition to the EFCC followed “the withdrawal of the same petition from the ICPC, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
The EFCC petition, signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, calls for a thorough probe into the allegations and urges the commission to prosecute Ahmed if investigations establish culpability.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no public response from Farouk Ahmed or the EFCC regarding the new petition. The case is expected to further fuel debate over transparency, public office accountability, and the role of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.


