Company rejects allegations over refinery financing and warns of legal action against misinformation and AI-generated fake content……
The Dangote Group has strongly dismissed a recent publication alleging a fallout between its President, Aliko Dangote, and business leader Tony Elumelu, describing the report as false, malicious, and without any factual basis.
In a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the organisation made the comments attributed to them in the report.
The Group specifically rejected claims suggesting that Dangote Petroleum Refinery was funded through personal borrowing from friends, insisting that such assertions are inaccurate and deliberately misleading.
It stressed that Aliko Dangote does not finance major projects through personal loans from associates and does not engage in informal borrowing arrangements of that nature. The company added that anyone making such claims should provide credible and verifiable evidence.
The statement also clarified that there is no rift between Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, noting that both men share a long-standing and cordial professional relationship.
Beyond the disputed publication, the Group raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, image, and likeness, particularly in AI-generated content and misleading advertisements circulating online.
It warned that such activities pose reputational risks and may amount to fraud, urging individuals, media platforms, and content creators to desist immediately from spreading false information.
The company further stated that it would not hesitate to pursue legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.
Reaffirming its position, the Dangote Group said it remains committed to integrity, transparency, and its broader mission of driving industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.
