Nigeria, May 4 -- The Dangote Group has dismissed as "false, malicious, and baseless" a publication claiming its President, Aliko Dangote, fell out with Tony Elumelu, after a failed request for financial assistance during the construction of the multi-billion-dollar refinery.

In a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, and shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the company referenced a publication titled "Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu," saying its President, Mr Dangote, never made such statements.

It said neither Mr Dangote nor the Group had at any time expressed such sentiments or suggested any form of estrangement with Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs ...