Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has filed a fresh corruption petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Dangote Group on Friday, stating that the petition was formally lodged at the EFCC headquarters through Dangote’s legal team.

According to the statement, the move followed the withdrawal of an earlier petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The withdrawal, the company said, was a strategic decision aimed at accelerating investigation and possible prosecution.

The petition, signed by Dangote’s lead counsel, O.J. Onoja, SAN, called on the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment levelled against Ahmed and to prosecute him if a prima facie case is established.

“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders,” the petition stated, referencing Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018).

Onoja further urged the EFCC, under its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, “to investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”

The petition emphasised that a prompt handling of the matter would not only be expedient but would also serve as a deterrent to other public officials with corrupt inclinations.

Dangote had earlier, on December 14, 2025, raised concerns over Ahmed’s alleged lifestyle, accusing the former regulator of living beyond his legitimate earnings.

He claimed that four of Ahmed’s children attended some of the most expensive secondary schools in Switzerland, at costs allegedly running into several millions of dollars.

The petition listed Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey and La Garenne International School as institutions attended by the children, estimating annual tuition, travel and upkeep at about $200,000 per child, amounting to roughly $5 million for secondary education alone.

Dangote further alleged that about $2 million was spent on the children’s tertiary education, including $210,000 for one child’s Harvard MBA programme in 2025.

“Nigerians deserve to know the source of these funds, especially when many parents in Mr Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to pay as little as ₦10,000 in school fees,” the petition quoted Dangote as saying.

The petition called for a thorough investigation to promote accountability and restore public confidence in regulatory institutions, while reaffirming Dangote’s commitment to transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, the ICPC has stated that it will continue its investigation into Ahmed despite the withdrawal of Dangote’s petition.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said its enabling law allows it to proceed once an investigation has commenced.

Ahmed has denied the allegations, describing them as “wild and spurious.”

The disagreement between both parties reportedly stems from comments attributed to Ahmed in July 2024, in which he allegedly questioned the quality of locally refined petroleum products, including those produced by the Dangote Refinery.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has refuted reports claiming that he has declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Baba-Ahmed made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, insisting that his recent comments were misunderstood and misrepresented.

“I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago,” he said.

He explained that his remarks were limited to reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party, amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and leadership direction.

According to him, while political possibilities may arise in the future, no decision or declaration has been made.

His clarification follows widespread media and social media reports suggesting that he was positioning himself for a presidential race ahead of the next general election, a development that sparked debates among supporters and political observers.

Elaborating further, Baba-Ahmed stated, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.”

He noted that any decision to seek elective office would depend on the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the internal processes of the party.

“The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed also faulted the role of social media in spreading misinformation, calling on professional media organisations to uphold accuracy and responsible reporting.

“It is unfortunate that social media can be so sensational, putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners. I believe formal media like yours should serve as filters and barriers so that the general public can always consume the correct information,” he said.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Enugu State with integrity and dedication, assuring them that his administration will keep delivering results that make the state proud.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday during the 50th coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Fidelis Nwatu.

Mbah expressed deep appreciation to Igwe Nwatu and other traditional rulers from Nkanu land for endorsing him through the presentation of the Ofo staff, an Igbo symbol of authority, truth, and justice.

Describing the gesture as profound and deeply symbolic, the governor said the honour went beyond ceremonial recognition, noting that traditional rulers serve as representatives of the ancestors and custodians of cultural values.

According to him, the endorsement represented trust, authority, and responsibility bestowed by his own people, which he described as incomparable to any other honour.

Mbah assured the royal fathers that he fully understood the weight of the endorsement and pledged to continue serving Ndi Enugu with humility, energy, and commitment.

“You will never regret your action,” the governor said, as he promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He also congratulated Igwe Nwatu on his 50 years on the throne, describing the milestone as evidence of divine favour, ancestral approval, and the goodwill of his people.

On behalf of the Enugu State Government and its people, Mbah prayed for more years of good health, wisdom, and strength for the royal father, noting that the state continued to benefit from his experience and leadership.

The governor further reassured traditional rulers across the state of significant improvements in their welfare beginning from January 2026, stressing that their role as custodians of culture, values, and communal memory made their wellbeing a priority.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget placed the welfare of traditional rulers at the top of government priorities, adding that they would notice a substantial difference in their monthly entitlements.

Earlier, while presenting the Ofo staff on behalf of other royal fathers, Igwe Nwatu praised Governor Mbah for what he described as exceptional leadership and landmark projects, stating that Enugu State had never experienced governance of such quality.

He explained that the Ofo staff symbolised an endorsement for the governor to continue his good works across the state.

Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of a book titled “Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace,” authored by Igwe Nwatu, as well as the cutting of the golden jubilee cake by the monarch, flanked by the governor and other dignitaries.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has been suspended, insisting that the process is still ongoing.

The Assembly made this clarification in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which commenced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly wishes to inform the good people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is fully on course in line with relevant constitutional provisions,” the statement read.

The Assembly disclosed that two separate notices of allegations of gross misconduct have been issued against the governor and the deputy governor under Section 188 of the Constitution.

The notices, it said, have been forwarded to both officials by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and the lawmakers are currently awaiting their responses.

The Assembly maintained that it remains constitutionally empowered to act in defence of the rule of law and to check infractions by public office holders, adding that members of the House are duty-bound to carry out this responsibility.

Reacting to reports circulating online that the impeachment process had been halted, the Assembly accused some individuals and media platforms of deliberately misleading the public and attempting to sow discord between the legislature and the people.

“We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are spreading false narratives to suggest that the process has been discontinued,” the statement said. “Such actions are aimed at causing disaffection, but they have already failed.”

The lawmakers stressed that they would not be deterred by intimidation, threats, or what they described as “cheap blackmail,” reiterating their commitment to upholding constitutional democracy.

The Assembly also expressed appreciation to residents of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments, while extending goodwill to Nigerians who believe in democratic governance.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read out the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

The allegations reportedly include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditures, withholding of funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

The impeachment proceedings come amid heightened political tension in the state, following allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that Governor Fubara breached a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.

The Bauchi State Government has formally accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in politically motivated persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and actions capable of endangering public safety, following the arrest, detention and prosecution of senior officials of the state government.

In a strongly worded petition dated December 31, 2025, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Bauchi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice accused the EFCC of weaponising federal law-enforcement machinery to intimidate the state government and unlawfully rope in Governor Bala Mohammed without evidence or jurisdiction.

The petition, marked SECRET, demanded the immediate intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation to restrain what it described as an “escalating abuse of prosecutorial powers” by the EFCC, warning that the agency’s conduct now poses a “clear and present danger” to constitutional order, democratic stability and personal safety in Bauchi State.

According to the state government, the EFCC arrested and detained the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development alongside senior civil servants over actions taken strictly in the lawful discharge of their official duties, backed by valid financial approvals and regulations.

Despite full cooperation, the officials were allegedly detained beyond constitutionally permissible timelines on matters described as administrative and bailable.

The petition disclosed that when the case came before the Federal High Court, the presiding judge openly expressed displeasure at the EFCC’s conduct, particularly the prolonged detention without charges, disregard for bail principles, and repeated failure to produce the defendants in court despite several adjournments.

Rather than submit to judicial discipline, the Bauchi government alleged that the EFCC escalated the matter by introducing fresh and far-reaching allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering, charges that were conspicuously absent at the point of arrest and detention.

“No terrorist organisation has been identified, no terrorist act linked, and no evidentiary trail disclosed,” the petition stated, adding that the timing of the allegations strongly suggests they were introduced as an afterthought “to intimidate, scandalise, and destroy reputations rather than to advance justice.”

The petition further accused the EFCC of making reckless and false claims in its charge sheet, including the assertion that the Accountant-General of Bauchi State was ‘at large.’

The state government described this as a blatant misrepresentation, stressing that the Accountant-General honoured EFCC invitations, was detained, and later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

Even more alarming, the Bauchi government accused the EFCC of deliberately dragging Governor Bala Mohammed into the criminal narrative, despite the governor not being an accused person.

According to the petition, the governor’s name was repeatedly and gratuitously mentioned in the charge sheet, sometimes more prominently than those actually standing trial, in what it described as an attempt to try him in the court of public opinion, criminalise political opposition by insinuation, and violate his constitutional immunity.

The state government described the terrorism-financing allegation as a “bogus hatchet job” aimed solely at politically destroying the governor’s image.

The petition highlighted Mohammed’s public service record, noting that he has served Nigeria as a civil servant to the rank of Director, Senator, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and now Governor of Bauchi State, without any criminal conviction or abuse of constitutional immunity.

“No amount of political persecution will diminish the respect he enjoys,” the Attorney-General asserted.

In a grave warning, the Bauchi government also raised concerns that the EFCC’s actions, both overt and covert, are increasingly perceived as posing threats to the safety and wellbeing of the governor, his staff, and even his family, citing the manner of arrests, escalation of allegations and sustained public insinuations.

“This trajectory is dangerous and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the petition warned.

Governor: EFCC Being Used to Force Defection

The petition aligns with recent public allegations by Governor Bala Mohammed, who accused the Federal Government of using the EFCC to persecute him and officials of his administration over his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the allegation on Wednesday at the Government House, Bauchi, while receiving an Ambassadorial Award for Safety from the Institute of Safety Professionals in Nigeria.

Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, disclosed that one of his commissioners is currently being detained by the EFCC, describing the action as politically motivated and intended to intimidate his government.

“This is not about fighting corruption; it is about political coercion,” the governor said, vowing not to defect under pressure or blackmail.

Demand for Federal Intervention

In its petition, the Bauchi State Government demanded immediate federal intervention, including strict supervision of the EFCC, restraint from retaliatory and media-driven prosecutions, assurances that terrorism allegations would not be pursued without credible evidence, and measures to prevent actions capable of inflaming political tensions or endangering lives.

The state warned that selective justice and prosecutorial recklessness undermine public confidence, weaken institutions and threaten national cohesion.

“Nigeria must not drift toward a system where opposition is criminalised and dissent punished through intimidation,” the petition concluded.

A major political shift has unfolded in Enugu State following the resignation of Princess Adaku Ogbu Aguocha, widely known as Ada Ogbu, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending a 14-year association with the party.

Ada Ogbu, a former APC senatorial candidate and one of the party’s most prominent figures in Enugu, formally communicated her resignation in a letter dated December 30, 2025, addressed to the APC Caretaker Ward Chairman of Nara Ward I in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The development has stirred intense political interest, coming amid a growing wave of opposition realignments linked to the emerging coalition around Peter Obi and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In the resignation letter, she stated that her decision to exit the APC was informed by “evolving realities” and a personal reassessment of the most effective way to serve her constituents.

She described the move as carefully considered, noting that it followed extensive consultations with family members, friends, and trusted political associates.

Known across Enugu political circles as Ada Ogbu, Princess Aguocha has long been regarded as one of the APC’s most steadfast voices in the state, particularly during periods when the party struggled to gain electoral traction in the South-East.

She joined the APC during its formative stage and was among the earliest Enugu indigenes to align with the party at its inception in Bourdillon Avenue, Lagos.

Throughout her years in the APC, she played active roles as a grassroots mobiliser, party organiser, and advocate of the party’s ideals, operating across ward, local government, and state levels.

Her political profile was further elevated when she emerged as the APC’s senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, placing her among the party’s most recognisable flag bearers in the zone.

In her letter, Ada Ogbu expressed appreciation for the opportunities and leadership exposure she gained within the party, describing her years in the APC as formative to her understanding of democratic governance and public service.

She also emphasised that her departure was not driven by personal grievances, thanking party leaders and supporters and maintaining a conciliatory tone.

The timing of her resignation has intensified speculation, as it coincides with expectations that Peter Obi will formally pick up his ADC membership card in Enugu State, a development widely viewed as a strategic step toward building a broad opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In recent weeks, politicians across multiple parties have defected to the ADC, a trend analysts increasingly refer to as the expanding “Peter Obi wave.”

Although Ada Ogbu did not disclose her next political destination.

Enugu State, long regarded as receptive to opposition politics, is expected to play a symbolic role in Obi’s ADC entry, further amplifying the significance of Ada Ogbu’s move.