ICPC: Investigation into Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss Continues Despite Withdrawal Notice
By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has received a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed.” The letter was submitted by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
According to a press release by Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the letter from Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, confirms that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated December 16, 2025, against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Acting Chief Executive Officer (ACE/CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA)—in its entirety. It also states that another law enforcement agency has taken over the matter.
The ICPC wishes to state categorically that, in line with sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are ongoing.
The Commission will therefore continue to investigate this matter in fulfillment of its statutory mandate, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.