The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has invited billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote to appear before its investigators in Abuja following a petition he filed against a former top petroleum regulator.

According to sources within the anti graft agency, Dangote has been asked to appear before a special investigative panel on Monday to support allegations he raised against Ahmed Farouk, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

A senior official familiar with the matter confirmed on Sunday that the commission has constituted a dedicated team of investigators to handle the case. The source added that the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, directed the panel to give full attention to the petition submitted by Dangote.

Dangote is expected to appear in person or be represented by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, when the investigation formally begins. The commission has requested that all relevant documents and supporting evidence be presented during the session.

In the petition, Dangote accused Farouk of corruption and misappropriation of public funds. Among the allegations is a claim that Farouk spent millions of dollars on the education of his four children at elite schools in Switzerland, without lawful income to justify the expenditure.

The petition further alleges that Farouk acted in ways that weakened domestic refining efforts by allegedly collaborating with international oil traders and fuel importers. Dangote claimed this was done through the continued issuance of petroleum import licences, despite policies aimed at promoting local refining capacity.

ICPC officials said the commission has formally requested Dangote to submit all evidence related to the claims and assured that the investigation would be conducted impartially and in line with due process.

Although Farouk has since resigned from his position at the NMDPRA, the ICPC maintained that his exit does not affect the investigation. The commission said public office holders remain accountable for actions taken while in office.

The petition specifically alleges that more than seven million dollars was spent on the overseas education of Farouk’s children, with no clear proof of legitimate income sources to cover such expenses. Dangote is calling for Farouk’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution on allegations of living beyond his means as a public servant.

ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that the commission received the petition on December 16 through Dangote’s legal representative. He said the agency is following established procedures and will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation.