“No rift, no loans from friends”: Dangote Group fires back at “malicious” Elumelu report

Dangote Group on Sunday slammed a viral report claiming Aliko Dangote “distanced himself” from Tony Elumelu and financed his refinery through “personal borrowing from friends.”

“False, malicious, and baseless,” the company declared in a statement signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina. “At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments.”

Dangote Group flatly denied any fallout with the UBA Chairman. “Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship.”

On the refinery financing claims, the group was unequivocal: “These assertions are wholly inaccurate and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.”

Advertisement

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” Chiejina said. “Any individual making such claims should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them.”

The company also raised the alarm over a “rising pattern of fabricated statements” and AI-generated ads misusing Dangote’s name, likeness, and image.

It declared: “These actions amount to reputational harm and potential fraud.”

It stated that “All individuals, organisations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately. The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.”

Dangote Group says it remains “committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity” while pushing “industrialisation, economic self sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.”

FULL PRESS STATEMENT

The Dangote Group has become aware of a publication titled “Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,” which is false, malicious, and baseless. At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments.

The Group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends. These assertions are wholly inaccurate and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature. Any individual making such claims should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them. Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship.

Furthermore, the Group notes with concern a rising pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Aliko Dangote’s name, likeness, and image in AI generated advertisements and other misleading content. These actions amount to reputational harm and potential fraud.

All individuals, organisations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately. The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.

Dangote Group remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.

Anthony Chiejina

Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer

Dangote Industries Limited