Dangote’s Allegations Spark EFCC Action Against Former NMDPRA Boss

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a petition filed by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries, against Farouk Ahmed, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Sources within the EFCC told Punch that the probe will involve corresponding with institutions mentioned in the petition, including the Swiss school reportedly attended by Ahmed’s children, to verify the claims.

Dangote initially petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in December 2025, alleging that Ahmed spent about $7 million of public funds on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. The petition accused Ahmed of abusing his office in violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

Though Dangote later withdrew the petition from the ICPC in January 2026, the commission confirmed it would continue investigating under Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act. Subsequently, on July 6, Dangote, through his legal representatives, submitted a fresh petition to the EFCC, prompting the commission to take up the matter.

A senior EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, confirmed that preliminary work has begun, but Ahmed has not yet been summoned. The official explained that the EFCC is writing to all relevant local and international entities named in the petition to gather information before inviting the accused.

“We have started by contacting all parties referenced in the petition. The accused is always the last to be invited. Until we complete both local and international inquiries, it would be premature to summon him,” the official said.

Another EFCC source noted that some claims in the petition may require direct verification from the Swiss school.

The EFCC has a history of engaging educational institutions as part of investigations into alleged misuse of public funds for school fees. For instance, during the probe into former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, the American International School of Abuja confirmed receiving $845,852 in tuition payments, with $760,910 refundable after deducting services rendered, following alleged misuse of government funds for school fees.