The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Mr. Aliko Dangote, to appear before a panel of investigators in Abuja over a petition he submitted against a former top government official.

Mr. Dangote had petitioned the commission against Mr. Ahmed Farouk, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alleging corruption and abuse of office.

A source close to the commission confirmed on Sunday that the ICPC has constituted a panel of investigators to probe the allegations.

According to the source, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), directed the panel to focus on Mr. Dangote’s petition as part of the investigation.

The business magnate is expected to appear before the panel on Monday or be represented by his lawyer, Mr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN), to present evidence when the investigation formally begins.

In his petition, Mr. Dangote accused Mr. Farouk of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, including allegedly spending millions of dollars on the education of his four children in expensive and exclusive schools in Switzerland.

He further alleged that the former NMDPRA boss undermined domestic refining efforts by colluding with international traders and oil importers through the continued issuance of import licences.

The ICPC has requested Mr. Dangote to submit all relevant evidence in support of his claims, assuring that the commission would conduct the investigation fairly and impartially.

Although Mr. Farouk has since resigned his appointment, the commission said the investigation would proceed, stressing that his resignation does not affect the probe.

The petition alleges that Mr. Farouk spent more than seven million dollars, without evidence of lawful income, on the education of his four children in Switzerland.

Mr. Dangote is demanding the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the former official for allegedly living beyond his means as a public servant.

The ICPC’s spokesperson, Mr. John Okor Odey, confirmed that the commission received the formal petition on December 16 through Mr. Dangote’s lawyer.