Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, has filed a corruption petition against Farouk Ahmed at the EFCC headquarters. He acted through his legal representative, accusing the former petroleum regulatory chief of corruption and abuse of office.
Dangote Group’s media team confirmed the development in an official statement released on Friday. Earlier, Dangote had approached the ICPC over alleged financial misconduct involving Farouk Ahmed. That petition accused Ahmed of spending five million dollars on his children’s education in Switzerland.
Dangote later withdrew the ICPC petition, although the commission insisted investigations would continue. According to the statement, the EFCC petition followed the earlier withdrawal for strategic legal reasons. The group described the move as a deliberate step to accelerate prosecution and ensure effective investigation.
Dangote believes the EFCC is better positioned to handle complex financial crime cases. The petition was signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja. It urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of corrupt enrichment and abuse of public office.
Dangote requested prosecution if investigators establish culpability against the former official. Furthermore, the petition pledged to provide evidence supporting claims of financial misconduct and institutional impunity.
It emphasized the EFCC’s collaboration with sister agencies in prosecuting corruption-related offences. The document cited recent court decisions affirming punishment for proven financial crimes. Onoja referenced Lawan v. FRN and Shema v. FRN to support the request.
He stressed that Nigerian courts rarely hesitate to punish corruption offenders. The petition also praised the EFCC leadership under Olanipekun Olukoyede.
Ultimately, Dangote urged a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation. He called for accountability to strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
