Africa's richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Kaduna-based businessman Kailani Mohammed over alleged defamatory statements, warning of a ₦100 billion libel suit if unmet within seven days.In a letter dated December 20, 2025, signed by his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, Dangote accused Mohammed of making false claims during a December 17 interview on TrustTV. The remarks allegedly suggested Dangote engaged in "unclean business" practices in Port Harcourt during the 1980s and questioned the legitimacy of his wealth.The interview was reportedly in response to Mohammed's petition against a regulatory figure to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Dangote described the accusations as libellous, damaging to his reputation, and harmful to his extensive business interests.The letter, titled "Demand for public explanation, retraction and unreserved public apology on your libellous publication against Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON," requires Mohammed to publicly retract the statements and issue an unqualified apology. Failure to comply, it states, will trigger legal action for substantial damages.The development adds to ongoing tensions in Nigeria's business and regulatory landscape, amid escalating allegations in the downstream petroleum sector involving Dangote's refinery operations.
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