Dangote Group denies truck ownership in Enugu accident

Dangote Industries Limited has denied ownership of the truck involved in a fatal crash in Enugu on Wednesday.

The accident, reported by PUNCH Online, occurred around 9 a.m. and involved a Howo cement truck and a Toyota Corolla. The vehicle, marked with the inscription of Visco Investment Global Limited, was travelling from Aba to Abuja when the incident happened.

Following claims online that the truck belonged to Dangote Group because of its branding, the company issued a statement clarifying that the vehicle was operated by a third party.

“We are engaging with relevant agencies to understand why a truck outside our fleet carried our logo. Going forward, stricter measures will be taken against unauthorised use of our brand identity,” the statement read in part.

The group explained that while it typically avoids commenting on individual incidents, the circulation of misinformation compelled it to respond. It urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims and pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the case.

“We strongly reject attempts to exploit tragedies for malicious or financial purposes. We remain committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility, safety, and integrity,” the company added.

Over the years, Dangote-branded trucks have frequently been linked to road accidents across Nigeria, sparking criticism and social media backlash.

In one recent case, Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, died after complications from a leg amputation caused by a truck allegedly tied to the conglomerate near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

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Her family, in a statement released by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, confirmed that she passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, while they were still pursuing justice and compensation. Eyewitnesses said her leg was crushed before the truck was stopped by a bystander.

These repeated incidents have intensified calls from Nigerians for tighter regulation of heavy-duty vehicles associated with the company, with many accusing Dangote Group of not doing enough to curb reckless driving.