Despite the petition filed by business magnate, Aliko Dangote’s against the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says its probe into the matter remains active.
The ICPC confirmed receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed”, submitted by Dangote’s legal representatives, O.J. Onoja SAN and Associates. The letter formally conveyed Dangote’s decision to withdraw, in its entirety, the petition earlier filed on December 16, 2025, against the former NMDPRA chief.
Dangote’s legal team also informed the anti-graft agency that another law enforcement body had since taken over the matter.
However, the ICPC emphasised that the withdrawal does not halt its ongoing investigations. Citing Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the commission stated that investigations had already commenced prior to the withdrawal and will continue in the interest of the Nigerian state and its citizens.
“The investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing”, the ICPC noted, adding that it remains duty-bound to pursue the matter in line with its statutory mandate.
The commission further stressed that its decision to continue reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability and the broader fight against corruption, irrespective of the position or influence of the individuals involved.
