Why Dangote Withdrew Petition Against Former NMDPRA Boss

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New information has surfaced regarding billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote’s decision to withdraw his petition against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Sources who spoke to Leadership revealed that Dangote’s withdrawal was influenced by concerns over Ahmed’s spouse holding a key position at the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), which could potentially affect the investigation.

According to the source, fears of possible interference may have prompted Dangote to reconsider pursuing the petition.

“What we understand is that after the petition was filed, it came to light that Ahmed’s spouse holds a key position in ICPC. Although no one is certain how that might play out, there are concerns of interference,” the source explained.

Legal Perspective on Petition Withdrawal
Lilian Ojimma, Principal Partner at Abuja-based law firm O’J Law Consult, told Leadership that a petitioner has the right to withdraw a petition from one prosecuting agency and take it to another if desired.

“The only condition,” Ojimma explained, “is that the petitioner cannot file the same petition with two agencies simultaneously and pursue both at the same time.”

ICPC Assures Investigation Continues
Despite Dangote’s withdrawal, the ICPC has assured the public that the ongoing investigation will proceed unhindered.

ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated:

“I am not aware of any person working in the ICPC who is married to Farouk. Even if that were true, I can assure you that nobody will interfere in the ongoing investigation. Dangote’s withdrawal of the petition does not mean the ICPC has stopped the investigation. The investigation continues.”