$5m School Fees: ICPC opens probe into former NMDPRA boss, summons Dangote

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced an investigation into alleged corruption involving the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.

The probe follows a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in which serious allegations were raised against the former NMDPRA boss. Acting on the petition, the ICPC has invited Dangote to appear before the commission to provide further clarification and speak on the issues raised.
A source within the ICPC, who spoke on Sunday in Abuja on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Chairman of the commission had constituted a panel of investigators to conduct a discreet inquiry into the matter.
According to the source, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, directed the investigators to focus strictly on the petition submitted by Dangote. The petition was filed through the law firm of Ogwu Onoja, Dangote’s legal representative, who is expected to present documentary evidence to substantiate the claims.
In the petition, Dangote alleged that Farouk engaged in corruption and misappropriation of funds, accusations that reportedly led to Farouk’s exit from office. He was subsequently replaced by another nominee appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
Details of the petition further alleged that Farouk paid about $5 million in advance for the education of his four children at exclusive schools in Switzerland, a sum said to be far beyond what his legitimate earnings as a public servant could cover. The petition also accused him of undermining domestic refining through alleged collaboration with international traders and oil importers by continually issuing import licences.
The ICPC has requested that Dangote formally submit all supporting evidence, assuring that the commission would ensure fairness to all parties involved in the investigation.
Although Farouk has since resigned his position, the ICPC stated that his resignation would not halt the ongoing probe. The petition further claimed that Farouk spent more than $7 million on his children’s education abroad without verifiable lawful sources of income.
Dangote is calling for Farouk’s arrest, investigation and prosecution, alleging that the former NMDPRA boss lived far above his means while in public service.
Confirming the development, the commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, disclosed that the ICPC received the petition on December 16 through Dangote’s lawyer against the former chief executive of the NMDPRA.