Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries, has submitted a fresh petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting an investigation into alleged corruption involving former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Dangote Group media team, which said the petition was formally lodged at the EFCC headquarters through Dangote’s legal representatives.
According to the statement, the EFCC petition followed the recent withdrawal of a similar complaint from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Dangote had earlier accused Ahmed of illicit enrichment, including allegations that about $5 million was spent on the overseas education of his children in Switzerland. Although the petition was withdrawn, the ICPC had said it would continue its investigation.
Dangote’s lawyers explained that approaching the EFCC was a strategic move aimed at ensuring a more expedited investigation and prosecution process.
In the petition signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the anti-graft agency to probe claims of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to initiate prosecution if the allegations are substantiated.
The petition also stated that Dangote is willing to furnish the commission with documentary and other 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 read, citing relevant judicial authorities.
Onoja further appealed to the EFCC, under the leadership of its chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to thoroughly investigate the allegations against Ahmed and take appropriate legal action should the claims be proven.
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