The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has withdrawn the petition he filed against Ahmed Farouk, former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote had, in December 2025, submitted the petition through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, accusing Farouk of “corruption and financial impropriety”.
In the petition, the business mogul called for Farouk’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution, alleging that the former regulator was “living beyond his means” while in public office.
Dangote further alleged that Farouk spent over “$7 million on the education of his four children” in schools across Switzerland within six years, without any lawful income to justify such expenditure.
Providing an update in a statement on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the commission received a formal notice of withdrawal from Dangote’s lawyer.
Odey explained that although the petition was withdrawn in full and another law enforcement agency has taken over, the ICPC would still proceed with its investigation.
“The letter from O.J. Onoja, SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA, in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over,” the statement said.
“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.
“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.”
Farouk had resigned as NMDPRA CEO less than 24 hours after the petition was submitted, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.