The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said that it would continue with the investigation of Mr. Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) despite the withdrawal of the petition against him by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Group Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited.

Dangote had in a letter dated January 5, 2026 submitted to the ICPC by his counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, withdrawn the petition it submitted to the ICPC against Mr. Farouk.

The letter from O.J Onoja SAN, stated that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated December 16, 2025, submitted against Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past CEO of the NMDPRA in its entirety and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.

In its reaction to the withdrawal of the petition, the ICPC stated 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”, it stated.