General News
DANGOTE ACCUSES PETROLEUM REGULATOR BOSS OF CORRUPTION, ALLEGES $5 MILLION SWISS SCHOOL FEES FOR CHILDREN
Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has publicly accused the chief executive of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum regulator of corruption, alleging he paid five million dollars for his children’s secondary school education in Switzerland. Dangote called for an immediate investigation into the official’s finances.
During a press briefing at his refinery in Lekki, Lagos on Sunday, Dangote alleged that Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), spent the enormous sum on six years of secondary education for four of his children. Dangote described the alleged expenditure as completely inconsistent with the income of a career public servant and a direct threat to public trust in regulatory institutions.
“I’ve had people actually complaining about a regulator who put his children in secondary school, and that secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria five million dollars,” Dangote stated. He challenged Ahmed to provide a public explanation, asking, “He must come and explain to Nigerians how he paid five million dollars for six years of his four children’s education”.
Contrasting this with his own choices and the plight of ordinary Nigerians, Dangote noted, “My children went to secondary school in Nigeria. They did not go outside Nigeria to attend secondary school”. He further highlighted the economic hardship in Ahmed’s home state, saying, “From where he comes from, people are struggling to pay ₦100,000 for secondary school fees. Many children are at home because their parents cannot afford that amount”.
Dangote demanded a formal probe by anti-graft agencies, specifically naming the Code of Conduct Bureau. He clarified he was not seeking Ahmed’s immediate removal but insisted on accountability. “I am not calling for his removal,” Dangote said. “What I am asking for is a proper investigation. He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians”.
The businessman issued a stern warning if the allegations are denied, threatening legal action to compel transparency. “If he denies it, I will not only publish what he paid as tuition in those secondary schools, but I will also sue the schools to disclose how much he paid for the entire period,” Dangote vowed.
This corruption allegation is set against the backdrop of a protracted feud between Dangote and the NMDPRA. Dangote used the same press conference to accuse the regulator of “economic sabotage,” claiming it is colluding with international traders to frustrate local refining by issuing excessive fuel import licenses. He argued this undermines Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, including his own $20 billion refinery.
“There are powerful interests in the oil sector,” Dangote alleged. “It is troubling that African countries continue to import refined products despite long-standing calls for value addition and domestic refining. The volume of imports being allowed into the country is unethical and does a disservice to Nigeria”.
The NMDPRA has not yet responded to the specific $5 million school fees allegation. The BBC reported that the agency’s spokesperson declined to comment when contacted. This is not the first time such claims have surfaced; a similar allegation was made by a group in July 2025, which the NMDPRA dismissed at the time as a “false allegation” and an “orchestrated smear campaign”.
Beyond the regulator conflict, Dangote also made a significant announcement on fuel pricing, stating that petrol would sell for no more than N740 per litre starting Tuesday in Lagos, following a reduction in the gantry price from his refinery to N699 per litre.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.