Dangote Asks EFCC to Investigate Corruption Claims Against Ex-NMDPRA Chief
By Wellington Jopelo
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, has lodged a new corruption complaint against Farouk Ahmed, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters.
Filed through Dangote’s legal team, the petition accuses Ahmed of abusing his office and illicitly enriching himself, and calls on the EFCC to investigate the allegations thoroughly and prosecute him if found guilty.
Dangote’s approach to the EFCC comes after he recently withdrew a similar petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). His lawyers described the withdrawal as a strategic move aimed at expediting the prosecution process.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by the Dangote Group media team.
Earlier, Dangote had requested that the ICPC probe Ahmed over claims that he spent about $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland, a matter that drew public attention before the petition was withdrawn. Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC announced it would continue investigating, citing its statutory powers.
In the new petition addressed to the EFCC and signed by Lead Counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the commission to use its expertise in financial crimes to investigate the alleged misconduct and ensure accountability.
The petition further stated that Dangote is prepared to provide documentary and other evidence to substantiate the claims of financial misconduct and impunity leveled against the former NMDPRA boss.
“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,” the petition read, citing recent judicial authorities.