Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has formally withdrawn the petition he submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related offenses Commission (ICPC) against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Dangote’s legal representatives served a notice of withdrawal dated January 5, 2026, rescinding the petition filed in December 2025 alleging corruption and financial impropriety by Ahmed during his tenure.
The petition, originally lodged by Dangote through his counsel O.J. Onoja, SAN & Associates, had sought ICPC action over claims that Farouk lived beyond his lawful means, including allegations of unjustified expenditure on overseas education for his children. However, Dangote’s withdrawal was communicated in full, with his team indicating that another law enforcement agency had since taken over aspects of the matter.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC has made clear it will continue its investigation into the case. The anti-graft agency said it had already commenced inquiries before receiving the withdrawal notice and, under its statutory mandate, will proceed with the probe in the interest of the Nigerian state and public transparency. ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey reiterated that ongoing investigative steps will not be halted due to the petitioner’s decision to step back.
The development underscores the commission’s commitment to pursuing allegations of corruption regardless of the status of the original complainant, emphasising that its actions are guided by legal obligations under the ICPC Act and broader principles of accountability.
