Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption involving the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The petition, submitted through Dangote’s legal team, was filed at the EFCC headquarters and disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Dangote Group media office.
Dip Connects Online News recalls that Dangote had earlier approached the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Ahmed of allegedly spending about $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Although Dangote later withdrew the petition, the ICPC had stated it would continue with its investigation.
According to the statement, the move to the EFCC followed the withdrawal of the ICPC petition, described as a “strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
The petition, signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against the former NMDPRA boss and to prosecute him if found culpable.
Dangote also indicated readiness to provide evidence to substantiate the claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“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 relevant judicial precedents.
Onoja further called on the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to ensure a thorough investigation of the allegations and take appropriate legal action should Ahmed be found wanting.
Elijah Adeyemi
