The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigations into allegations of financial misconduct against a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, following a petition submitted by billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote.
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that part of the ongoing probe includes plans to formally engage the Swiss secondary school attended by Ahmed’s children, as well as other local and international institutions named in the petition.
Dangote had earlier accused the former NMDPRA chief of abusing his office by allegedly spending about $7 million on his children’s education abroad, in violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that preliminary inquiries were underway.
“We have commenced work on the petition, although the suspect has not been invited yet. We are writing to all the relevant parties mentioned to obtain information before any invitation is extended,” the source said.
The official explained that the commission follows a structured investigative process.
“Whoever is accused is usually the last person to be invited. We must first conclude both local and international engagements. Only then can we confront the individual with verified facts,” he added.
Another officer noted that the commission would likely seek confirmation from the Swiss school named in the petition.
“We need to authenticate some of the claims. This may require contacting the institution in Switzerland where the children are enrolled,” the official said.
The petition was initially filed with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in December 2025 but was later withdrawn by Dangote’s legal representatives. Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC announced that its inquiry would continue in line with its statutory powers.
Subsequently, Dangote forwarded a fresh petition to the EFCC in early January 2026.
The EFCC has previously engaged educational institutions during similar investigations involving alleged diversion of public funds for school fees, including the high-profile case of a former Kogi State governor.
The commission has not fixed a date to invite Ahmed, pending the outcome of its preliminary findings.
