Nigeria, Dec. 17 -- Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said a statement circulating in his name, responding to recent allegations by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited, did not emanate from him.

Mr Ahmed, in a disclaimer sent to PREMIUM TIMES early on Wednesday, explained that while he is aware of the "wild and spurious allegations" made against him and his family and the frenzy it has generated, he has chosen not to engage in public brickbat.

He said he is thankful that the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution, adding that he believes that would provide an opportuni...