Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has taken fresh legal steps by submitting a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The development was confirmed on Friday in a statement released by the Dangote Group media team, which said the petition was formally lodged at the EFCC headquarters through Dangote’s legal counsel.
The move comes days after Dangote withdrew a similar petition earlier submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), although the anti-graft agency maintained that its investigation would continue independently.
According to the statement, the decision to approach the EFCC followed the withdrawal from the ICPC and was described as a strategic step aimed at speeding up investigation and possible prosecution. Dangote’s legal team believes the EFCC is better positioned to handle the financial dimensions of the allegations.
In the petition signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja (SAN), Dangote accused Ahmed of abuse of office and illicit enrichment, urging the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the claims and initiate prosecution if the allegations are established.
The petition also indicated that Dangote is ready to cooperate fully with investigators by providing documents and other evidence to support the claims of financial misconduct and abuse of public office.
“We believe the EFCC, working with other relevant agencies, has the statutory powers and institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences,” the petition stated, citing recent court decisions that affirm the prosecution of public officials found guilty of financial crimes.
Dr Onoja further called on the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to ensure a transparent and thorough probe into the allegations against Ahmed and to pursue legal action where a prima facie case is established.
The case adds to growing public scrutiny around accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory sector, as anti-corruption agencies face increased pressure to act decisively on allegations involving top public officials.
