Dangote Group has noticed a peculiar pattern of attributing some misleading statements purported to have been made by its President, Aliko Dangote, in the media.
“We hereby warn perpetrators of this mischief aimed at scoring cheap political points to desist from such offensive acts.
The company referred to a screaming headline in one of the online mediums which stated, “Dangote blamed Northern Governors for the high rate of poverty in the region.”
It advised that it would be good and proper for media people to be guided with facts before publishing.
Meanwhile, the group has expressed deep regret over the death of Ruth Otabor, whose legs were crushed by one of Dangote’s trucks in Auchi, Edo State.
The company, in a statement, said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Oatbor, who was injured in a recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State.
On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Since the incident our officials and insurance have been by her side, covering all financial and medical costs and supporting the family. Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her.”
Representatives of Dangote Group on Sunday collected the remains of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, from the hospital where she passed away, PUNCH Metro has learnt.
Ruth, who had undergone a leg amputation after being hit by a truck linked to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on Wednesday, died on Sunday morning, just weeks after the accident.
The family announced her death on Sunday through a statement by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, saying Ruth passed on to glory earlier at about 6:30 a.m.
“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30Hrs,” the statement read.
The family added that they are grieving and requested privacy to mourn Ruth.
“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate being given a private moment to mourn the departed. The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement added.
A family source told PUNCH Metro that representatives of Dangote Group were immediately contacted after Ruth’s death and subsequently took her body to the mortuary.
“When she died this morning, the representatives of Dangote Group were contacted and notified. They later came and took the corpse to the mortuary. We are expecting that they take over the expenses of her burial, since they had stepped in to take over her medical expenses,” the source who pleaded anonymity said.
Another relative, who did not want to be named due to the mourning period, described Ruth as a cheerful and affectionate person.
“We will miss her. We had thought she would survive after she started recuperating. She was very loving to be with. We used to call her Bobo, which was her nickname. She stayed with her parents at Ketu-Alapere from where they often visited our family house in Omojua Estate, Kosofe,” the relative said.
Eyewitnesses had told our correspondent that the heavy-duty truck, which hit Otabor, crushed her leg before it was eventually chased down and stopped by a bystander.
Phyna had demanded that her sister be flown to India for medical treatment.
The Dangote Group, however, acknowledged the incident, stating that its team visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement, and met the family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The company pledged full medical support and compensation in line with its welfare policy.
