The Dangote Group has denied any rift with billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, warning content creators, organisations, and digital platforms against the spread of misinformation and AI-generated advertisements using its brand and leadership.
The warning was conveyed in a statement by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, following a viral post on X alleging that Aliko Dangote sought financial assistance from business associates to complete his refinery project.
The post claimed that Dangote approached prominent figures, including Tony Elumelu, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola, alleging that Elumelu promised $20 million but later cut off communication.
It further alleged that the others raised $500 million, with Otedola contributing $300 million.
What Dangote is saying
The Group dismissed the claims as false and misleading, stressing that neither Dangote nor the company made such statements.
- “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.”
The company reiterated that such claims are baseless and intended to misinform the public.
Get up to speed
This is part of a growing trend of misinformation involving high-profile individuals.
In February, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned against a fake AI-generated video falsely portraying her.
She clarified that she does not operate accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, describing any such content as fraudulent.
Zenith Bank Plc also recently distanced itself from a doctored video falsely showing Jim Ovia endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme.
These incidents highlight the rising misuse of AI and digital platforms to spread false information.
More insights
The Dangote Group expressed concern over the increasing use of AI to create misleading content using the image and likeness of its leadership.
The company warned that such actions could cause reputational damage and facilitate fraud, stressing that individuals and platforms involved must immediately desist from creating or sharing such content.
The Group added that it is prepared to take legal action to protect its reputation and leadership.
- “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.”
What you should know
Despite the controversy, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc reported a strong financial rebound in its Q1 2026 results.
- The company posted a profit before tax of N20.6 billion, recovering from a N22.6 billion loss in the prior year.
- Cost of sales declined significantly to N144.6 billion from N204.6 billion, driven by lower raw material costs.
- Revenue, however, dropped by 12.22% to N187.7 billion, with 50kg sugar accounting for 97% of total turnover.
The results signal a turnaround driven by improved cost efficiency despite softer revenue performance.
