The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has said it will proceed with its investigation of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past Authority Chief Executive and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, despite the withdrawal of the petition filed against him.
The commission disclosed that it received a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” from Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, who are legal representatives to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The ICPC’s position was contained in a statement issued late Wednesday night by its Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey.
According to the commission, the letter informed it that the petitioner had fully withdrawn the petition dated December 16, 2025, and also stated that another law enforcement agency had assumed responsibility for the matter.
Odey stated, “The letter from O.J. Onoja, SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.”
He added that the commission would not discontinue its actions, stressing that investigations had already commenced.
“The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” Odey said.
“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria,” he added.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its anti-corruption mandate, noting that the investigation would be pursued in accordance with the law and in the interest of the Nigerian state.
