Business mogul Aliko Dangote has withdrawn his petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), from the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) due to concerns over a potential conflict of interest, according to LEADERSHIP.
The decision followed revelations that Ahmed’s spouse holds a senior position within the ICPC, raising fears that it could influence the investigation.
“What we understand is that after the petition was filed, it emerged that Ahmed’s spouse occupies a key role in ICPC. While there’s no confirmation of interference, the concern was enough to prompt withdrawal,” a source told LEADERSHIP.
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Legal expert Dr. Lilian Ojimma, Principal Partner at O’J Law Consult, said petitioners have the right to withdraw complaints and approach another agency. “The key point is that the same petition cannot be pursued simultaneously in two agencies,” she explained.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey reassured the public that the commission’s work would continue. “Dangote’s withdrawal does not halt the investigation. ICPC remains committed to probing this matter in line with our statutory mandate for transparency and accountability,” he told LEADERSHIP.
The petition has now been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has acknowledged receipt. Dangote has asked the EFCC to investigate Ahmed for alleged abuse of office, violations of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and financial improprieties.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission would review the matter and provide updates in due course.