Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has filed a petition against the former managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of corruption.
The development was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the Dangote Group media team.
Mr Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Mr Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland.
QEDNG reported that Dangote later withdrew the petition, although the ICPC stated that it would continue its investigation.
According to the statement, the petition to the EFCC followed the withdrawal of the case from the ICPC, a move described as a decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.
The petition to the EFCC was signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, who urged the commission to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable.
Dangote also pledged to provide evidence to support the allegations of financial misconduct.
“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 stated, citing recent judicial authorities.
Dr. Onoja further urged the EFCC, under the leadership of its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to investigate the allegations against Farouk Ahmed and take appropriate legal action if the claims are substantiated.
