By Isaac Aregbesola
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rejected Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s request to withdraw his petition against Farouk Ahmed, former NMDPRA boss, whom he accused of corrupt practices.
ICPC Spokesperson, John Odey, who said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noted that the commission had already commenced investigations into the allegation in the interest of Nigerians.
“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 said that the commission received a letter dated Jan. 5, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” signed by Dr O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Dangote.
”The letter from O.J. Onoja SAN, states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated 16th December, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA in its entirety and that another law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.
”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.
”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.”