The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership ((CACOL) has written to formally petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to urgently and thoroughly investigate serious allegations recently raised by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed.

According to widely reported public statements credited to Alhaji Dangote, Mr. Ahmed was accused of living far beyond his legitimate means, with claims that four of his children are attending secondary schools in Switzerland at an estimated cost of about $5 million.

CACOL in a letter sent to the ICPC chairman and signed by its chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran said “this allegation, if proven true, raises grave concerns about possible illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and violations of extant anti-corruption laws.

“Furthermore, Alhaji Dangote also alleged that Mr. Ahmed has been involved in actions amounting to economic sabotage and deliberate undermining of domestic refining in Nigeria, particularly through regulatory decisions and conduct capable of frustrating local refining efforts, discouraging investment, and perpetuating dependence on imported petroleum products.

” Such actions, if substantiated, pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic security, energy self-sufficiency, and national interest.CACOL is deeply concerned that allegations of this magnitude, involving a senior public official entrusted with regulating a critical sector of the Nigerian economy, could erode public confidence in government institutions if not transparently and decisively addressed.

“We strongly believe that no individual should be above the law and that allegations bordering on corruption, abuse of office, and economic sabotage must be subjected to independent, professional, and comprehensive investigation.In view of the foregoing, we respectfully urge the ICPC to:

“Immediately commence a thorough investigation into the allegations of living beyond legitimate means levelled against Mr. Farouk Ahmed.Examine all claims relating to economic sabotage and actions allegedly undermining domestic refining in Nigeria.Prosecute any individual found culpable, in line with the provisions of the law, and ensure that such person faces the full wrath of the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.

“CACOL remains committed to the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. We trust in the integrity and statutory mandate of the ICPC to handle this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves,” the statement added.