ICPC Rejects Dangote’s Petition Withdrawal, Continues Probe of Ex-NMDPRA Chief Farouk Ahmed

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it will continue investigating allegations of corruption against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of a petition by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Dangote initially filed the petition in December 2025, accusing Ahmed of corruption, including the alleged misappropriation of public funds and spending approximately $5 million on his children’s education in Switzerland, despite lacking a verifiable lawful income to support such expenditure. The allegations sparked nationwide outrage and intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

On January 5, 2026, Dangote’s legal team, led by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, formally withdrew the petition, citing that another law enforcement agency had assumed responsibility for investigating the matter. However, the ICPC rejected the withdrawal, emphasizing that once a petition alleging corruption is received and an investigation commences, the process cannot be terminated at the discretion of the petitioner—particularly in cases of public interest and alleged abuse of office.

In a press statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey stressed that the commission’s investigation would proceed in line with its statutory mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The ICPC also highlighted that the inquiry serves the interest of the Nigerian people and cannot be halted simply because the petitioner withdraws.

Following the accusations, Farouk Ahmed resigned from his position as NMDPRA Chief Executive, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed a successor. ICPC had earlier summoned Dangote to appear before a special panel of investigators in Abuja regarding his petition. Dangote had publicly criticized Ahmed’s alleged spending during a media briefing on December 14, 2025, highlighting the contrast between such expenditure and the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians amid inflation and rising fuel prices.

The ICPC’s decision to continue its probe underscores the agency’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, regardless of a petitioner’s withdrawal, and signals a robust approach to anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.

Sowore Mocks Peter Obi, Slams Defection From Labour Party to ADC, Says Opposition Leaders Suffer ‘Political Homelessness’

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has ridiculed Peter Obi and his supporters over their defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as evidence of “political homelessness.” In a statement shared on social media, Sowore accused the defectors of political drift and opportunism barely two years after mobilising support under the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections.

Sowore sarcastically remarked that Nigeria’s “most celebrated political drifters” had merely moved from one “homeless shelter” to another, branding the ADC as the “Association of Desperate Conmen.” He argued that the defection reflects a shift “from confusion to delusion” and from moral posturing to what he called naked political opportunism.

According to him, the change of party platform does not represent any meaningful ideological difference, alleging that the ADC maintains close ideological proximity to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he mockingly referred to as the “Association of Present Criminals.” Sowore insisted that despite new party logos, the political culture remains the same, describing the move as “different logos, same scam.”

The AAC leader further accused mainstream opposition figures of lacking the courage to confront entrenched corruption in Nigeria’s political system, warning that repeated defections only deepen public distrust. Peter Obi and other politicians officially announced their move from the Labour Party to the ADC on Wednesday, marking a significant realignment within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

The Wicked Zacchaeus Syndrome: How Corruption Hides Behind Law and Authority in Nigeria – OpEd by M. Musa

In this thought-provoking OpEd, M. Musa draws on the Biblical story of Zacchaeus to illustrate modern corruption in Nigeria. Unlike the Biblical Zacchaeus, who misused power for personal gain, today’s “wicked” exploit legal frameworks, manipulate laws, and hide behind authority to enrich themselves, while institutions fail to hold them accountable. Musa warns that corruption is no longer just about looting money—it can be the subtle theft of governance itself, where silence and inaction allow elites to prosper at the expense of justice. The piece urges society to demand accountability and highlights that history and divine justice ultimately record every wrongdoing.

Ex-Kano Anti-Graft Boss Compares Corrupt Nigerian Politicians to Deadly Drug Cartels

Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, says combating corruption in Nigeria is as dangerous as confronting Colombian drug cartels. Speaking at the launch of the 19th Compendium on 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Lagos, he revealed that investigations during his tenure exposed billions in diverted public funds, fraudulent PPP projects, and illicit IGR schemes linked to powerful political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Magaji warned that corruption fuels poverty, insecurity, and banditry in the North, describing corrupt politicians as ruthless actors willing to kill to protect stolen wealth. He alleged that some policemen are being used against him despite having legal authorization to prosecute cases. The event, organized by HEDA to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, emphasized youth involvement in shaping a future of integrity.

Same Chairman of EFCC told Us If Bello Wasn't Arrested He'd Resign; He's Back On The Streets–Sowore.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arguing that the agency has become too weak to fight corruption in Nigeria.

In a video shared by TV Platinum, Sowore said the EFCC has lost credibility and can no longer handle high-profile corruption cases because the country’s powerful politicians have already taken control of the commission. He likened the EFCC to a powerless institution that no longer serves its original purpose of holding corrupt leaders accountable.

He reminded Nigerians that the current EFCC chairman, Olanipekun Oluyede, once made a bold promise to resign if former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was not arrested. Despite that promise, Bello has remained free. Sowore pointed out that Bello had traveled, enjoyed vacations, and later returned to public life while still facing trial. Instead of being treated like a suspect, he claimed, Bello has continued to receive respect and influence within the political space.

Sowore also alleged that Bello is working towards a political comeback in Kogi State, which he described as an attempt at a “back door third term.” This, he said, shows how corruption and impunity remain deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political system.

In his words, "This same chairman of EFCC told us that if Bello wasn't arrested, he would resign. Bello was never arrested. Bello decided that after he had gone around and played and gone on vacation, came back to come and play, he's back on the streets."

Triggered by My Statement, Presidential Spokesperson
@BayoOnanuga
Writes Me to Delete My Posts on Tinubu

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, wrote directly to me on WhatsApp, asking that I delete my tweet and Facebook post in which I referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal based on Tinubu’s recent speech in Brazil, where he claimed that there is “no more corruption in Nigeria.”

Onanuga argued that my interpretation was a “misfire,” claiming Tinubu was only referring to the process of sourcing foreign exchange and not corruption as a whole. He even cited examples from business figures like Samad Rabiu to defend his point, and then advised me to delete my post.

Here is his WhatsApp message to me: Good afternoon. Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil. He said there was no more corruption regarding sourcing foreign exchange and that you do not need to know CBN Governor Cardoso to get forex. Prominent business people like Samad Rabiu have all given testimony about this. That was what he meant. Nothing more. You truly misfired. I will advise that you delete the contentious post. Good afternoon.

And here is my response:

Good afternoon. I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain, especially when it comes to videos and matters that touch on the State of the Nation.

What is more troubling is that in Nigeria today, anyone who dares to criticise the President is instantly subjected to harassment by the DSS, political thugs, and every coercive instrument the state can muster. I once thought perhaps you were unaware of such abuse, but it is now clear you are complicit.

In this regard, it is you who has misfired. Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.

Nota Bene:* I have known Bayo Onanuga for many decades. Back when I was a student leader in Lagos, Tempo, The News, and PM News were our go-to platforms. Later, before founding SaharaReporters, I even moonlighted as a Special Correspondent for The News, working alongside Kunle Ajibade and
@BabafemiOjudu
to produce some of the hottest stories of that era.

This clarification is necessary because it explains why Mr. Onanuga may have chosen to write me a private message over my recent post. Out of respect, I sought his permission to make our exchange public, but he did not reply.

Portable considers using thunder, juju on VeryDarkMan over ₦100m fight
Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable, has stirred outrage online after threatening to send “thunder” and use “juju” on social media activist, VeryDarkMan, following a ₦100 million celebrity boxing match proposal.

The statement was made in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), where Portable spoke at length about the offer and expressed frustration over the situation.

He also touched on corruption in Nigeria, claiming he would become “richer than corruption.”

In the video, he said: “Nigeria is full of corruption and I’ll be richer than corruption. You’re giving me ₦100 million to fight VeryDarkMan — should I just kill him? Should I send thunder to him and tell it to strike him today?”

“If I want to fight him, I’ll hit him with wood and juju.”

Portable also accused unnamed individuals of using him to destroy VeryDarkMan, alleging there were bigger forces trying to bring the activist down.

The post quickly gained traction online, prompting an avalanche of comments from social media users reacting to the singer’s words.