The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as entirely baseless.

This was detailed in a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresents both personal and corporate positions.

The Group also rejected assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and 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,” the statement said, adding that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence.

The Dangote Group further clarified that there is no rift between Dangote and Elumelu, noting that both business leaders maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.

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The company also raised concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.

It cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately, adding that it would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.

The Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.

Panic has spread through Monatan community in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of a 60-year-old building materials trader by suspected armed men.

The incident occurred on Saturday night along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road in Ibadan when the victim was intercepted by four masked gunmen while returning home at about 8:47 pm.

The attackers reportedly operated in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla before forcefully whisking the victim away to an unknown destination.

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Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the matter was reported on May 2, 2026, and that security operatives had already begun rescue efforts.

He stated: “I can confirm that there was a case of abduction reported on May 2, 2026, at about 2047hrs from the Monatan area of Ibadan. Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle. Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and activated necessary operational measures aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators.”

Residents of the area have expressed fear over rising insecurity, urging authorities to intensify surveillance and prevent further attacks.

Security agencies assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and arrest those responsible.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the rising wave of attacks on its citizens in South Africa, summoning the country’s top diplomat in Abuja over what it described as persistent xenophobic violence.

The move follows recent incidents in which Nigerians were reportedly targeted, including the killing of one citizen and injuries sustained by others in separate attacks by unidentified gunmen.

The government said the pattern of violence has become alarming and unacceptable.

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Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that South Africa’s acting high commissioner has been invited for urgent discussions.

According to him, the meeting will address “documented cases of maltreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”

Nigeria’s action comes amid growing continental concern over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, where repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence have been recorded over the years.

Similarly, Ghana recently summoned South Africa’s envoy in Accra following reports of harassment and intimidation of its citizens.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that a Ghanaian resident was confronted and asked to leave South Africa in a recent incident, heightening fears among migrants.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s top destinations for migrants due to its relatively advanced economy.

However, high unemployment and economic challenges have often fueled resentment against foreigners, leading to periodic violence.

Reacting to the development, South Africa’s acting police minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned the attacks, stating that such actions are unlawful and contrary to the country’s constitutional values.

He assured that security agencies have been directed to act decisively against perpetrators, emphasizing that xenophobia, violence, and intimidation will not be tolerated.

The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, warning that it will continue to engage diplomatically until the safety and rights of Nigerians in South Africa are fully guaranteed.