• • Aliko Dangote and Farouk Ahmed when the going was good.

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, through his legal representative, has filed a formal corruption petition against former Managing Director of the Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This move follows the withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.

In the petition signed by Lead Counsel Dr. O.J. Onoja S.A.N, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Mr. Ahmed and prosecute him if found culpable.

“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. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624)337.”

Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr. Olanipekun 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 also stated that: “The commission’s firm resolve in handling this matter with dispatch is not only imperative and expedient but will also serve as a deterrent to other public officers out there with such corrupt proneness and tendencies”

The development reinforces Dangote’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

It will be recalled that on December 14, 2025, Dangote raised concerns about Mr. Ahmed’s financial dealings, alleging that the former regulator is living far beyond his legitimate means.

According to Dangote, four of Mr. Ahmed’s children attended elite secondary schools in Switzerland, incurring costs running into several millions of dollars—an expenditure that raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum industry.

Dangote listed the schools attended by Mr. Ahmed’s children: Faisal Farouk (Montreux School), Farouk Jr. (Aiglon College), Ashraf Farouk (Institut Le Rosey), and Farhana Farouk (La Garenne International School), noting that each child spent six years in these institutions.

He estimated annual tuition, travel, and upkeep per child at $200,000, totaling approximately $5 million for their secondary education.

Additionally, Dangote alleged that Mr. Ahmed spent another $2 million on tertiary education for the four children, including $210,000 for Faisal’s 2025 Harvard MBA program.

“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,” Dangote stated.

The petition calls for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.

The Nigerian Air Force has finalized arrangements for the procurements of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters,from Bell Textron, a company in the United States.

This is even as President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch additional military strikes in Nigeria if attacks on Christians persist.

Trump issued the warning during an interview with The New York Times (NYT), where he was asked whether the Christmas Day missile strikes against the Islamic State terror group signalled the start of a wider military campaign.

In response, Trump indicated that further action could be taken : “I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” he said. “But if they continue to kill Christians it will be a many-time strike.”

According to NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame, the Programme Management Review meeting for the procurements, led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, took place from January 5 to 6, 2026, in San Diego, California.

He said that the engagement focused on assessing the status of the helicopter acquisition programme, addressing logistical challenges, and ensuring timely delivery within agreed timelines and budget.

“In a strategic move to enhance operational capacity, the meeting was aimed at fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z helicopters, aligned with the CAS’s philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with ground forces,” the statement said.

Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their professionalism and transparency, describing the programme as more than a platform upgrade.

“This acquisition reflects the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and underscores our shared responsibility for regional and global security,” said Aneke.

The CAS assured that the NAF would take all necessary measures to ensure the helicopters’ delivery in the shortest possible time, while emphasising that the programme management team must remain innovative, solutions-driven, and focused on meeting both timelines and operational standards.

Officers of have met with senior officials and representatives of to fast-track the acquisition of a critical capability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consoled with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi.

President Tinubu said , “As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child.

I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them.

Ms Adichie is a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally, and I pray she and her family find strength in the Almighty in this trying hour.My prayers are with the family.”