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ICPC invites Dangote over corruption petition against ex NMDPRA boss.
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Special investigation panel constituted to probe allegations against Farouk Ahmed.
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Ahmed’s resignation does not affect ongoing ICPC investigation.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has invited billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, over a petition he submitted against the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote had accused Ahmed of corruption and alleged misappropriation of public funds, including claims that millions of dollars were spent on the education of Ahmed’s four children in expensive and exclusive schools in Switzerland.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ahmed has since resigned from his position as head of the regulatory agency.
A source within the ICPC disclosed that the commission has constituted a special panel of investigators to handle the matter.
According to the source, the investigation team was set up on Friday following directives from the Chairman of the commission, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu.
Dangote is expected to appear before the commission on Monday or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, to formally adopt the petition as investigations commence.
The source said, “All is set for the investigation.
“ICPC has set up a panel of crack investigators on Dangote’s petition. The Chairman of the commission, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, asked the trusted team to stay on the case and focus on Dangote’s petition. This underscores the importance attached to this case.
“We have also invited Dangote or his lawyer to come on Monday to adopt the petition. Either of them is to present relevant documents or evidence to support the petition.
“He who alleges must prove or provide lead on the allegations which our investigators must act on.
“We have acknowledged the receipt of the petition in line with our guidelines or mandate to do so within 48 hours.”
The source added that after the formal adoption of the petition, Ahmed would be invited to respond to the allegations raised against him.
He further stated that Ahmed’s resignation does not affect the probe, describing the investigation as one conducted in the public interest.
The source also cited Section 19 of the ICPC Act 2000, which criminalises the use of public office for personal or family benefit and prescribes up to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
