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Farouk
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced an investigation into a petition filed against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, through his legal representative.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that Dangote formally submitted the petition to the EFCC during the week, after withdrawing an earlier petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Dangote had initially asked the ICPC to investigate Ahmed over allegations that he spent about $5m on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland.
Although the petition was later withdrawn, the ICPC had said it would continue with its investigation.
However, a senior officer at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the petition had been received and that investigations had commenced.
“They have brought the petition to us, and an investigation has commenced on it. Serious work is being done concerning it,” the source said.
In the petition signed by lead counsel, Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed and to prosecute him if found culpable. The petition also stated that Dangote was ready to provide evidence to support claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders,” the petition read, citing recent court decisions.
Onoja further called on the commission, under the leadership of its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to investigate the allegations against Ahmed and take appropriate legal action if the claims are established.
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