Business mogul, Mr Aliko Dangote, has formally withdrawn his petition against the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr Farouk Ahmed.
Nevertheless, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has maintained that its investigation into the allegations remains ongoing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission confirmed that it received a letter dated Jan. 5, 2026, notifying it of the withdrawal of the petition by Dangote.
According to the ICPC, the notice titled “Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed” was submitted by Dangote’s legal representatives, O.J. Onoja, SAN, and Associates.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the letter informed it that the petition earlier filed on Dec. 16, 2025, had been withdrawn in its entirety.
It further stated that the legal team also indicated that another law enforcement agency had since taken over the matter.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC stressed that its statutory responsibilities would not be affected.
Citing Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of the ICPC Act, the commission explained that investigations had already commenced before the notice of withdrawal and must therefore continue.
“The investigations, in the interest of the Nigerian state and its citizens, have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” the statement said.
The commission added that its decision to proceed with the probe reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption, irrespective of the status of persons involved.
The statement was signed by Mr J. Okor Odey, the spokesperson and Head of the Media and Public Communications Unit of the commission, and dated Jan. 7, 2026.
