Dangote Threatens Kaduna Businessman Kailani Mohammed with N100bn Defamation Suit

The President of the Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to a Kaduna-based businessman, Engr. Kailani Mohammed, demanding a retraction of what he described as libellous statements or risk a N100 billion defamation lawsuit.

In a letter sent through his lawyer, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, of Onoja Law Firm, Abuja, Dangote called for an immediate public explanation, retraction and an unreserved apology over allegations that he engaged in “unclean business” activities, particularly in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the 1980s.
The letter, dated December 20, 2025, accused Engr. Mohammed of making defamatory remarks that damaged Dangote’s reputation and questioned the source of his wealth as Africa’s richest man.
According to the correspondence, the offending comments were made by the Kaduna businessman during an interview aired on TrustTV News on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The interview was reportedly in reaction to a petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Dr. Farouk Ahmed.
Titled “Demand for Public Explanation, Retraction and Unreserved Public Apology on Your Libellous Publication Against Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,” the letter, signed by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, stated that Dangote is a globally respected businessman whose reputation was built through years of hard work, integrity and diligence.
The letter alleged that Engr. Mohammed made false, reckless, malicious and scandalous statements portraying Dangote as a monopolistic and corrupt businessman who allegedly engaged in questionable economic practices and vendetta-driven campaigns against others.
It further referenced specific remarks attributed to Engr. Mohammed during the broadcast, in which he allegedly questioned Dangote’s activities and source of wealth in the 1980s while in Port Harcourt.
Dangote categorically denied ever engaging in any business or commercial activity in Port Harcourt at any time, including the 1980s, describing the claims as fictitious, unfounded and malicious.
The letter warned that the statements had gravely lowered Dangote’s reputation among members of the international community, business partners and governments in countries where he operates.
As part of the demands, Engr. Mohammed was asked to, within seven days of receiving the letter, publicly explain on the same TrustTV platform when, where and in what capacity Dangote allegedly engaged in any “unclean” activities. He was also required to retract the statements in full, issue an unreserved public apology with equal prominence, and pay N100 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm.
Additionally, he was asked to give a written undertaking to refrain from making or publishing further defamatory statements against Dangote.
The letter cautioned that failure to comply with the demands would lead to legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction, including claims for aggravated damages, and possible reports to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution for criminal defamation.