Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has accused Aliko Dangote of making spurious allegations against him.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Farouk said, “My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me.

“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat.

“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives and the ICPC have stepped in to look into the brewing crisis between the duo and the entities they represent.

Petroleum marketers have also called President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.