Africa's wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, has initiated a decisive legal move against a businessman from Kaduna, issuing a stringent seven-day ultimatum. The industrialist demands a public retraction and apology for allegations he describes as deeply damaging to his reputation, failing which he will file a staggering N100 billion lawsuit.
The Core of the Allegations and the Legal Demand
Through his legal representative, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN of the Onoja Law Firm in Abuja, Dangote dispatched a formal letter dated December 20, 2025. The letter was addressed to Kailani Mohammed, the Kaduna-based businessman at the centre of the controversy.
The document, titled "Demand for public explanation, retraction and unreserved public apology on your libellous publication against Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON," outlines the grievances. Dangote contends that during an interview aired on TrustTV news on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Mohammed made defamatory statements. These remarks allegedly accused Dangote of participating in "unclean business" activities, particularly referencing the 1980s in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Furthermore, the businessman is said to have questioned the legitimate origins of Dangote's wealth, which cemented his status as Africa's richest person.
Businessman's Context and Dangote's Firm Stance
It is reported that Kailani Mohammed made these statements while reacting to a separate petition he had filed against Dr. Farouk Ahmed, which was submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). However, Dangote's legal team argues that dragging his name and business empire into the matter was unfounded and malicious.
The letter states unequivocally that the publication has defamed Aliko Dangote, unjustly lowered his hard-earned reputation, and tarnished the image of his business engagements. As a direct consequence, Dangote's demands are clear and non-negotiable:
- An immediate public explanation.
- A full and unequivocal retraction of the libellous statements.
- An unreserved public apology.
The businessman has precisely seven days from the receipt of the letter to comply with these demands. The alternative is a monumental N100 billion suit for damages, which would be one of the largest defamation claims in recent Nigerian history.
Potential Repercussions and Industry Implications
This legal action underscores the serious approach prominent business figures are taking to protect their personal and corporate brands from public allegations. A lawsuit of this magnitude sends a strong message about the perceived value of reputation in the high-stakes world of African business.
The coming days will be critical as Kailani Mohammed decides his course of action. Will he retract and apologise, or will this proceed to a landmark courtroom battle? The outcome could set a significant precedent for defamation cases involving high-profile personalities in Nigeria's media and business landscape.
All eyes are now on Kaduna as the clock ticks on the seven-day ultimatum served by one of the continent's most influential industrialists.
