The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a petition filed against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that Dangote formally submitted the petition to the EFCC earlier this week through his legal representative, following the withdrawal of a similar petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Dangote had initially approached the ICPC, asking it to investigate Ahmed over allegations that he spent about $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland, an expense allegedly inconsistent with his known earnings as a public officer.
Although the petition was later withdrawn, the ICPC had said it would continue with its investigation.
Confirming the new development, a senior EFCC officer at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the petition had been received and investigations had commenced.
“They have brought the petition to us, and an investigation has commenced on it. Serious work is being done concerning it,” the source said.
In the petition signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja (SAN), the businessman urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote was ready to provide documentary and other evidence to support claims of financial misconduct and impunity against the former regulator.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders,” the petition read, citing recent court decisions.
Onoja also called on the EFCC, under the leadership of its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action where necessary.
When contacted, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment on the matter but promised to respond later. No official reaction had been received as of the time of filing this report.
