Dangote: Nigeria’s anti-corruption body to continue probe despite withdrawn complaint

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency says it will press ahead with an investigation into the country’s former oil regulator, despite the billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote withdrawing his formal complaint.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) stated on Wednesday that the inquiry into Farouk Ahmed, the former head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is already “ongoing.”

The commission’s stance follows a letter from Mr. Dangote’s legal team on 5 January, which requested the “entire” withdrawal of the petition. The letter also suggested that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

‘In the interest of the state’

The ICPC, however, maintained that its mandate transcends private disputes.

In a statement, the agency’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, said the investigation was being conducted in the “interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state.”

“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption,” the statement added.

What is the dispute about?

The legal battle stems from a high-profile public fallout between Africa’s richest man and the former regulator:

• The Allegations: Last December, Mr. Dangote accused Mr. Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office, and “economic sabotage.”
• The Policy Clash: The two men clashed over fuel import policies. Mr Dangote argued that certain regulations undermined his multi-billion-dollar refinery, while Mr. Ahmed maintained that the market should remain open to competition to avoid a monopoly.
• The Personal Turn: The dispute escalated when Mr. Dangote questioned Mr. Ahmed’s lifestyle, alleging it was beyond his legitimate earnings.

Mr. Ahmed has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The investigation comes at a time of significant upheaval in Nigeria’s energy sector. Just one day after the initial petition was filed in December, President Bola Tinubu replaced the heads of the country’s two main petroleum regulatory bodies, including Mr. Ahmed.

While the “Notice of Withdrawal” marks a retreat by the Dangote Group, the ICPC’s refusal to drop the case suggests the former regulator may still face a difficult legal road ahead.