Prof. Kailani Issues Public Apology to Dangote, Retracts Controversial Statement

Professor Kailani Muhammad has publicly apologised to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and retracted allegations made against him during an interview on Trust TV. The apology comes after Dangote issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a retraction or facing a ₦100 billion lawsuit for defamation.

Earlier, Dangote, through his lawyer Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, demanded an immediate public retraction and apology from Muhammad for accusing him of engaging in "unclean business" in Port Harcourt during the 1980s. The letter, dated December 20, 2025, stated that Muhammad’s remarks had damaged Dangote’s reputation and questioned the legitimacy of his wealth.

The controversial statements were made during a December 17 interview on Trust TV, where Muhammad was reacting to a petition he filed against Dr. Farouk Ahmed with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In his retraction, Muhammad expressed regret for his comments and acknowledged the harm caused to Dangote’s image. The apology was broadcast on the same platform where the initial allegations were made, marking an end to the legal standoff.