Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, has submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for the arrest and prosecution of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Ahmed Farouk, over corruption allegations.

The petition, dated December 16 and filed through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, accuses Farouk of living well beyond his means as a public servant. Dangote alleges that Farouk spent over $7 million of public funds on the education of his four children in Switzerland, paying for their schooling upfront for six years without showing any legitimate source of income to justify such lavish spending.

In the petition, Dangote provided the names of the four children, the schools they attended, and the amounts paid for each, urging the ICPC to investigate the claims. Dangote further alleged that Farouk used his position at NMDPRA to embezzle public funds for personal gain, a situation that has sparked public outrage and protests.

The petition, submitted to ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, SAN, accuses Farouk of grossly abusing his office and violating the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Dangote argues that, based on Farouk’s long career in the public sector, it is impossible for him to have accumulated the funds necessary to finance such extravagant expenses without resorting to corruption.

Dangote cited Section 19 of the ICPC Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices. He emphasized that successful prosecution of such offenses could result in a five-year prison sentence without the option of a fine.

Dangote also expressed confidence in the ICPC’s ability to prosecute financial crimes and urged the commission to act decisively. He emphasized that the matter, already in the public domain, requires immediate attention to preserve public trust and the integrity of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The petition follows earlier allegations against Farouk, including protests in June 2025, where groups called for his resignation, accusing him of turning his office into a personal estate. However, the NMDPRA has strongly denied these allegations, labeling them as part of a smear campaign.