Africa’s richest businessman and Dangote Group president, Aliko Dangote, has filed a fresh petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, asking the anti-graft agency to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
The petition adds a new layer to the long-running public dispute between Dangote and Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory leadership—an argument that has centered on fuel imports, regulatory decisions, and the operating environment for Dangote’s 650,000 bpd refinery in Lagos.
Importantly, the allegations remain claims at this stage. The EFCC has not publicly announced findings, and Farouk Ahmed has not been convicted of any wrongdoing.
What Dangote Alleged in the EFCC Petition
Reports say Dangote’s petition, signed by his lead counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja, asked the EFCC—led by chairman Ola Olukoyede—to investigate Farouk Ahmed for alleged misconduct and prosecute if the agency finds he has a case to answer.
Multiple outlets reported that Dangote also indicated willingness to provide documentary and other evidence to support the complaint.
While full petition contents are not always published in full by media, the consistent reporting across outlets is that Dangote’s core request is for an EFCC investigation into alleged corruption-related offences linked to Farouk Ahmed’s time as NMDPRA chief.
Why the Petition Matters: Background to the Dangote–Regulator Dispute
The petition is not happening in isolation. Reuters previously reported that Dangote’s clash with Nigeria’s oil and petroleum regulators escalated in late 2025, with Dangote accusing the regulator of enabling cheap fuel imports that, in his view, undermine local refining and industrialisation goals.
Reuters also reported that the dispute contributed to a broader shake-up in Nigeria’s energy regulatory space, with the leadership changes involving key regulators, including Farouk Ahmed’s exit from NMDPRA leadership.
In practical terms, Dangote’s position has been that Nigeria should prioritise local refining capacity (including his refinery) rather than importation, while the regulator’s framework and market realities have often been debated publicly.
From ICPC to EFCC: Why Dangote “Moved” the Case
Several reports note that Dangote previously petitioned the ICPC, but later withdrew that petition and has now taken the matter to the EFCC—presenting it as a strategic move aimed at deepening or fast-tracking the corruption allegations through another anti-graft institution.
This shift has fueled public discussion because it suggests Dangote is determined to push the allegations through formal investigation channels.
What the EFCC Can Do Next
If the EFCC accepts the petition for review, typical next steps may include:
- preliminary assessment of the complaint,
- invitations for statements from relevant parties,
- Request for supporting documents,
- and possible investigation/charges if evidence supports prosecution.
However, it’s also possible the EFCC could decide it lacks sufficient basis to proceed, or that the matter overlaps with other agencies or legal actions. As of now, media reports focus on the petition filing rather than any formal EFCC conclusion.
Response from Farouk Ahmed?
At the time of the reports cited above, no widely circulated official response from Farouk Ahmed was included in the initial breaking stories. If your newsroom workflow allows, it’s good practice to update the post if/when:
- Farouk Ahmed issues a statement,
- EFCC confirms investigation steps,
- or any court action begins.
Why Nigerians Are Watching Closely
This story matters for three main reasons:
- It touches the petroleum sector, which affects fuel pricing, supply stability, and costs of living.
- It involves top national institutions (EFCC, regulators) and one of Africa’s most influential industrialists.
- It could shape public trust in regulation and anti-corruption enforcement—depending on how transparent and evidence-driven the process becomes.
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