111 CSOs Commend Dangote for Respecting Rule of Law, Urge Due Process in ICPC Probe
By Pulse Time Nigeria.
A coalition of 111 civil society organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS) has commended Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for what it described as his respect for the rule of law following his petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a press statement issued in Kano on December 22, 2025, the coalition said Dangote acted responsibly and within the confines of the law by submitting a written petition requesting an investigation into issues involving the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
The statement, signed by the Executive Director of Ummatee-C4PASS, Ghazali Ibrahim Ungogo, called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the ICPC to carry out its statutory mandate without pressure or intimidation, emphasising that honouring an ICPC invitation is lawful, encouraged and protected under Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The CSOs noted that petitioning an anti-corruption agency is a constitutionally protected civic action and a key component of Nigeria’s accountability framework, stressing that citizens are encouraged to report matters of public concern through lawful channels rather than public speculation.
They further welcomed the decision of the ICPC to invite Dangote for questioning, describing it as evidence of the Commission’s prompt response and confirmation that a formal investigation has commenced. According to the group, the action strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
Ummatee-C4PASS and its partners cautioned Nigerians against rushing to judgment or mounting public campaigns either in defence of or against any individual while investigations are ongoing, warning that such actions could undermine institutional independence and due process.
The coalition expressed concern over reports of organised public defences by some groups claiming to represent civil society, noting that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, attempts to pre-empt or delegitimise lawful investigations may themselves raise accountability questions.
Reaffirming its position, the CSOs stated that reporting allegations to lawful authorities is a civic responsibility, compliance with investigative invitations demonstrates respect for the rule of law, and no individual—past or present—should be shielded from accountability.
They added that the primary duty of civil society is to protect democratic institutions and processes, not individuals under investigation, especially in corruption-related matters.
The group anchored its position on relevant legal provisions, including Sections 15(5), 22 and 24(e) of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Sections 6, 27 and 28 of the ICPC Act 2000, which empower the Commission to receive petitions, conduct investigations and prevent interference.