ICPC Summons Dangote Over $7m School Fees Allegation Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to substantiate his petition alleging corruption and abuse of office against the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The anti-graft agency confirmed that Dangote was asked to appear before its investigators, either personally or through his legal representatives, to formally adopt his petition and provide documentary evidence in support of the claims, which centre on an alleged expenditure of over $7 million on the foreign education of Ahmed’s children. According to sources familiar with the matter, the petition was submitted to the ICPC in December through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN). It accused the former NMDPRA boss of corrupt enrichment, alleging that the huge sums reportedly spent on schooling in Switzerland and other foreign institutions could not be justified by his known legitimate earnings as a public officer. The ICPC, led by its Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has reportedly constituted a special investigative panel to handle the case, signalling the commission’s intention to carry out a detailed and transparent probe. Officials of the agency stressed that the invitation to Dangote is a routine procedural step required to move the investigation forward and does not in itself imply guilt on the part of any individual. Farouk Ahmed, who resigned from office amid mounting public pressure following the allegations, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has maintained that the education of his children was funded through lawful means, including scholarships, family support and personal savings, and has welcomed an investigation to clear his name. The controversy has continued to generate widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organisations calling for a thorough probe in the interest of accountability, while others have cautioned against trial by media and urged the ICPC to rely strictly on verifiable evidence. Despite Ahmed’s resignation, the ICPC has made it clear that stepping aside from office does not shield any former public official from investigation or possible prosecution. Observers say the outcome of the probe could have far-reaching implications for public sector accountability, especially within key regulatory agencies in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. As the investigation unfolds, attention is now on Dangote’s appearance before the commission and the evidence to be presented, which will largely determine the next steps in what has become one of the most closely watched corruption cases in recent times.