By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Business magnate Aliko Dangote has formally withdrawn his petition against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk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, PM News reports.
This is even as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) insists that its investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ICPC confirmed receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” submitted by Dangote’s legal representatives, O.J. Onoja SAN and Associates.
According to the commission, the letter conveyed Dangote’s decision to withdraw, in its entirety, the petition earlier filed on December 16, 2025, against the former NMDPRA chief.
The legal team also informed the anti-graft agency that another law enforcement body had since taken over the matter.
However, the ICPC stressed that the withdrawal does not halt its actions.
Citing Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the commission said investigations had already commenced before the withdrawal notice and would therefore continue in the interest of the Nigerian state and its citizens.
“The investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing,” the commission stated, adding that it remains duty-bound to pursue the matter in line with its statutory mandate.
The ICPC emphasised that its decision to proceed underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and the broader fight against corruption, regardless of the position 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.