The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in connection with a petition he submitted against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote had accused Ahmed of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, alleging among other claims that millions of dollars were expended on the education of Ahmed’s four children in elite and expensive schools in Switzerland.
Although Ahmed has since resigned from his position, the ICPC has confirmed that the allegations are now under active investigation.
A source within the commission, who spoke to The Nation, disclosed that the ICPC on Friday constituted a panel of “crack investigators” to handle the petition, underscoring the seriousness attached to the case.
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According to the source, Dangote is expected to appear before the commission on Monday to formally adopt the petition. Alternatively, his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), may appear on his behalf when the investigation officially commences.
“All is set for the investigation,” the source said. “ICPC has set up a panel of crack investigators on Dangote’s petition. The Chairman of the commission, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), asked the trusted team to stay on the case and focus on Dangote’s petition. This underscores the importance attached to this case.”
The source added that either Dangote or his legal representative would be required to present documents and evidence to substantiate the allegations.
“He who alleges must prove or provide leads on the allegations which our investigators must act on,” the source noted. “We have acknowledged the receipt of the petition in line with our guidelines, which require acknowledgment within 48 hours.”
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After the formal adoption of the petition, the commission is expected to isolate the key issues raised and invite Ahmed to respond to the allegations leveled against him.
“We have been inundated with enquiries, but I can assure you that ICPC will be fair to all the parties,” the source said.
Addressing concerns about Ahmed’s resignation, the ICPC source stressed that it would not affect the investigation, describing the probe as one being conducted in the public interest.
“The resignation of Ahmed does not affect this probe,” the source stated.
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The commission also cited Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (ICPC Act 2000), which makes it an offence for any public officer to use his or her position to confer unfair or corrupt advantage on themselves, relatives, or associates. The offence carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
However, the ICPC warned that the law equally provides stiff penalties for individuals found to have wasted the commission’s time and resources through malicious or frivolous petitions.
Investigations into the petition are expected to unfold in the coming days as the commission begins its fact-finding process.