The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into allegations contained in a petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, following a formal complaint lodged by the Chairman of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote.
The matter was confirmed by senior EFCC officials to a Punch correspondent on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The probe will include correspondence with the Swiss educational institution where Ahmed’s children are reported to be enrolled, according to sources within the anti‑graft agency.
Officials said the commission has started by writing to all parties and institutions mentioned in the petition to obtain relevant information needed to advance the investigation.
Mr Dangote had earlier in December 2025 submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Mr Ahmed expended about $7 million on the secondary education of his children in Switzerland, in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
The petition accused the former regulator of abusing his office and unlawfully spending public funds amounting to millions of dollars.
The petition was later withdrawn from the ICPC by Mr Dangote’s legal representation through a letter dated January 5, 2026. Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC indicated that it would continue its inquiry in accordance with Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act.
A senior EFCC official familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the agency had not yet invited Mr Ahmed for questioning.
The official noted that inviting the accused typically follows preliminary inquiries, including engagements with both local and international entities referenced in the petition.
According to the source, the EFCC is following established investigative procedures by writing to all relevant entities, including companies, government bodies and international institutions, to secure responses prior to any invitation of the subject of the probe.
The official explained that the accused is normally contacted after preliminary engagements have been concluded.
Another EFCC source added that confirmation of certain claims in the petition may necessitate writing to the Switzerland‑based school mentioned in the submission. The official did not disclose the name of the institution but indicated that such correspondence is part of normal investigative practice.
The EFCC has, in past investigations, corresponded with international educational institutions as part of probes into alleged misuse of public funds for school fees. In a previous case involving a former state governor, the agency obtained confirmation from a school in Abuja on tuition payments as part of its inquiry.
Officials said the current investigation is at an early stage, with further actions to be determined as information from correspondences and other inquiries are received.
