ICPC set to investigate Dangote’s petition against ex-NMDPRA boss

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced formal steps to investigate corruption allegations leveled by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.

The anti-graft agency made it clear that Ahmed’s resignation from office will not affect the ongoing probe, stressing its commitment to thoroughly investigate the claims in line with the law.

As part of the investigation, the ICPC has invited Dangote to appear before the commission, either personally or through his legal representative, Ogwu Onoja (SAN). The commission confirmed that investigations into the petition are scheduled to begin on Monday.

The anti-graft agency made it clear that Ahmed’s resignation from office will not affect the ongoing probe, stressing its commitment to thoroughly investigate the claims in line with the law.

According to The Nation, sources within the commission revealed that Dangote has been requested to submit documents and other materials to substantiate allegations of corruption, misappropriation of funds and the alleged expenditure of millions of dollars on the education of Ahmed’s four children in Switzerland.

It was also reported that the ICPC on Friday set up a panel of seasoned investigators to handle the case, underscoring the seriousness attached to the petition.

“All is set for the investigation,” a source in ICPC told The Nation at the weekend.

“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 action on a case and focus on Dangote’s petition. This underscores the importance attached to this case,” the source said.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the commission formally acknowledged receipt of the petition and pledged to investigate the allegations against Ahmed.

“We have also invited Dangote or his lawyer to come on Monday to adopt the petition. Either of them is to present relevant documents or evidence to support the petition,” the source was quoted as saying.

“He who alleges must prove or provide lead on the allegations which our investigators must act on.”

The source added that the commission would strictly adhere to due process once the petition is formally adopted.

“We have acknowledged the receipt of the petition in line with our guidelines or mandate to do so within 48 hours,” the source said.

Continuing, the source said that “after formal adoption of the petition, we will isolate issues and ask Ahmed to respond to the allegations.

“We have been inundated with enquiries but I can assure you that ICPC will be fair to all the parties.”

Addressing concerns surrounding Ahmed’s resignation, the source made it clear that the investigation would proceed regardless.

“The resignation of Ahmed does not affect this probe which is in the public interest,” the source said.

The ICPC source further referenced provisions of the commission’s enabling law regarding the allegations and the responsibilities of petitioners.

“Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (ICPC Act 2000) makes it an offence for any public officer to use his/her position to confer an unfair or corrupt advantage on himself, his relatives, associates, or other public officers. Anyone found guilty of any such offence is liable to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

“The enabling law also stipulates harsh punishment for individuals deemed to have wasted ICPC’s time and resources by making malicious or frivolous petitions against others.”