Africa’s richest man, Dr. Aliko Dangote, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to a Kaduna-based businessman, Engr. Kailani Mohammed, demanding a full retraction and public apology over alleged defamatory statements or face a N100 billion lawsuit.
Dangote made the demand through his legal counsel, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), in a letter dated December 20, 2025. The letter accused Mohammed of making false and damaging claims that questioned Dangote’s source of wealth and personal integrity.
Alleged Defamatory Claims
According to the letter, Mohammed made the remarks during an interview aired on TrustTV on December 17, 2025. The comments reportedly suggested that Dangote engaged in “unclean business activities” in Port Harcourt during the 1980s.
Dangote’s lawyers described the statements as false, malicious, and reckless. They said the claims had no factual basis and were capable of causing serious reputational harm locally and internationally.
The comments reportedly followed Dangote’s petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, a development his lawyers said did not justify personal attacks.
Dangote Denies Allegations
Dangote firmly denied ever conducting any business in Port Harcourt in the 1980s or at any other time. He described the allegations as entirely fictitious and designed to mislead the public.
The letter stressed that Dangote’s reputation was built through decades of hard work, discipline, and legitimate enterprise. It warned that the remarks exposed him to public ridicule and suspicion among business partners, governments, and investors across countries where he operates.
Ultimatum and Legal Demands
Dangote demanded that Mohammed publicly explain, on the same TrustTV platform, when and how the alleged activities took place. He also insisted on a full retraction and an unreserved apology with equal prominence to the original broadcast.
In addition, Dangote demanded N100bn in damages and a written undertaking that Mohammed would refrain from making further defamatory statements.
The letter warned that failure to comply within seven days would trigger immediate legal action, including civil claims for aggravated damages and possible criminal defamation proceedings.
