Dangote Industries Limited has denied ownership of the truck involved in a fatal accident in Enugu on Wednesday.
The crash, which happened around 9am, involved a Howo truck loaded with cement and a Toyota Corolla.
The truck, bearing the inscription of Visco Investment Global Limited, was travelling from Aba to Abuja when the accident occurred.
Reports online had suggested the truck belonged to the Dangote Group due to its brand signature, a claim the company has now dismissed.
In a statement signed by its management on Wednesday, Dangote Group said the vehicle was operated by a third party.
It added that tighter measures would be taken to protect its brand identity.
“We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to find out why the truck was carrying our logo when it is not part of our fleet.
“Going forward, we will apply more scrutiny to the unauthorised use of our brand identity, especially the misuse of our logo on vehicles not linked to the Group,” the company stated.
The company noted that it usually refrains from commenting on individual cases but was compelled by misinformation.
“Ordinarily, it is our policy not to comment on individual cases, but the spread of misinformation linking these incidents to the Dangote Group without evidence has compelled us to respond.
“We call on the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified claims,” the statement partly read.
The group also pledged support for the authorities handling the matter.
“We are committed to cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and insist that investigations should be allowed to run their course without interference.
“We strongly reject attempts to exploit tragedies like this for malicious or financial gain,” the statement concluded.
The company maintained that it remains committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility, safety, and integrity.
In recent years, Dangote-branded trucks have repeatedly been linked to road accidents across the country, fuelling public criticism and social media backlash.
Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, died following a leg amputation after being hit by a truck a linked to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement issued on Sunday by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, disclosing that she passed away around 6:30 a.m. while they were still seeking justice and compensation over the incident.
The accident occurred on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just six days after Ruth graduated from Auchi Polytechnic.
Eyewitnesses said the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg before it was chased down and stopped by a bystander.
Many Nigerians have called for stricter regulation of heavy-duty vehicles associated with the conglomerate, often accusing the company of failing to rein in reckless drivers.
The PUNCH
