The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation following a petition by billionaire Aliko Dangote against Farouk Ahmed, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The petition, submitted through Dangote’s legal representative, alleges that Ahmed misused public funds to finance his children’s education in Switzerland, amounting to approximately $7 million. Dangote had initially submitted a similar petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in December 2025 but later withdrew it in January 2026. The ICPC, however, indicated it would continue its review under relevant legal provisions.

A senior EFCC official confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the commission has started contacting parties and institutions referenced in the petition, both locally and internationally, as part of the standard investigative process. The accused, Farouk Ahmed, has not yet been invited to appear before the commission.

The EFCC official explained:
“We are writing to all the parties mentioned to provide information that will be used to confront the person accused. Inviting the accused will come last. When you have not carried out both local and international engagements, you cannot just invite the accused.”

The investigation may include contacting the Swiss school mentioned in the petition, following similar procedures the EFCC has used in past investigations involving officials, such as the 2024 probe of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

Another EFCC official noted that all relevant claims in the petition must be verified before the accused is formally questioned, ensuring due process is followed.