Dangote Group Disclaims Ownership of Truck Involved in Enugu Crash

The accident scene…Photo Credit: Enugu Police Command

Dangote Industries Limited has denied that it owns the truck linked to a fatal accident in Enugu on Wednesday.

The accident, which occurred around 9 a.m., involved a Howo cement truck and a Toyota Corolla. The vehicle bore the inscription of Visco Investment Global Limited and was reportedly traveling from Aba to Abuja at the time of the crash.

Following the incident, speculation circulated online suggesting that the truck belonged to Dangote Group due to its familiar branding. However, the company has now clarified that the vehicle was operated by an independent third party and not part of its official fleet.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dangote Group emphasized its concern over the unauthorized use of its branding.

> “We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to determine why the truck carried our logo when it is not owned or operated by the Group. Moving forward, we will intensify scrutiny to prevent misuse of our brand identity,” the company said.

The management further explained that it typically avoids commenting on isolated incidents but felt compelled to respond due to the spread of misinformation.

> “Ordinarily, we do not issue statements on individual accidents. However, the continuous circulation of unverified claims linking such cases to Dangote Group leaves us no choice but to address the matter directly. We urge the public and media to avoid promoting unfounded reports,” the statement added.

The conglomerate also pledged its cooperation with authorities investigating the crash.

> “We are committed to working closely with relevant agencies and believe the investigation should proceed without bias or undue interference. We reject attempts to exploit such tragedies for malicious or financial purposes,” it noted.

Dangote Group stressed its commitment to corporate responsibility, safety, and integrity, while acknowledging growing concerns over accidents involving trucks branded with its name.

The issue has attracted heightened scrutiny following recent tragedies. Among them was the death of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor. Ruth died after her leg was amputated when she was struck by a truck carrying Dangote branding near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

Her family, through Eko Solicitors & Advocates, confirmed that she passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025 — just six days after graduating from Auchi Polytechnic. Eyewitnesses said her leg was crushed before the truck was chased down and stopped by a bystander.

This incident has fueled calls from Nigerians for stricter regulation of heavy-duty trucks linked with the Dangote name, with critics accusing the conglomerate of failing to adequately monitor reckless drivers operating under its brand.