Business magnate Aliko Dangote has formally withdrawn his petition against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has, however, confirmed that its investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ICPC acknowledged receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed”, submitted by Dangote’s legal team, O.J. Onoja SAN and Associates. The letter communicated Dangote’s decision to fully withdraw the petition he had initially filed on December 16, 2025, against the former NMDPRA chief. It also indicated that another law enforcement agency had since taken over the issue.

Despite the withdrawal, the ICPC clarified that the development would not halt its investigation. Citing Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the commission explained that its probe had already commenced prior to the withdrawal notice and would therefore continue.

“The investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” the commission stated, emphasizing its statutory duty to pursue the matter.

The ICPC further underscored that its decision to continue reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the broader fight against corruption, irrespective of the status or influence of the individuals involved.

The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, spokesperson and head of the commission’s Media and Public Communications Unit, and dated January 7, 2026.