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Dangote: BUA lies on claims to Mines ownership 

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Aliko Dangote allegedly broke, unable to complete refinery by 2023

The management of Dangote Industries Limited has again vehemently rejected the many assertions of BUA Group, on its dubious claim to being the rightful owner of Mining Lease No 2541.


Dangote in a statement made available to our reporter revealed that its reaction became very necessary as a result of its status as a publicly quoted company and to further re-assure its shareholders, the regulators and members of the public that the company is and remains a responsible corporate citizen


Faulting   BUA’s fraudulent claim that the Dangote Group is trying to monopolize the Cement business in the Country, the Group   said that BUA has willfully, deliberately and mischievously concealed the fact that it has at least 12 Mining/Quarry Leases within and around the area in question as opposed to this sole Mining Lease No 2541 owned by the Dangote Group.


Dangote further stated that: “First and foremost, there is no Status Quo Order made by any Court that allows BUA to continue mining over the disputed Mining Lease area. In fact, there is no Status Quo Order at all. It is critical for us to point out that there is currently pending, a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction dated 27 April 2016 seeking to restrain the BUA Group from continuing with its illegal mining activities on the Mining Lease Area but in spite of having been served with this Application and contrary to all tenets of the law which forbid a party served with an Interlocutory Injunction Motion from taking any step in respect of the subject matter of the Suit, the BUA Group has in utter disdain to the Court continued with its illegal mining activities.”

Dangote said BUA, that is now using the media to cause confusion applied for a Mining Lease over the same area in 2013 but the Application was rejected by the Ministry on the sole ground that it overlaps ML. 2541 which at the time belonged to AICO. “If BUA  had title that dates back to 1998, is there any conceivable reason why it will apply for the same title over the same  area in 2013” the statement queried.


Dangote, while debunking the claim by BUA that it is trying to monopolize the cement business stated that: “It is misleading for BUA to falsely accuse Dangote of undermining its operations and attempting to create a monopoly in the Cement Industry in Nigeria, as we have always coexisted peacefully with other competitors in Obajana and Ibese”


The Claim by BUA that it has always been in possession of the disputed mining lease was also faulted by Dangote Group, as it affirmed that the Group “  … has been the one in possession of the Mining Lease since 2016 and this was recently confirmed by the Kogi State High Court’s Judgment delivered on 27 October 2017 in Charge No. HCL/65C/2017: State v. Joshua Oghene, Hon. Haruna Afegbua and Bulus Golit which sentenced the Chief Security Officer of BUA Group, Mr Bulus Golit to one year imprisonment without any option of fine, for attacking Dangote Group’s officials and workers in the Mining Lease No. 2541. The imprisonment of BUA Chief Security Officer amongst other things has confirmed that the claim by the BUA Group that it has been in possession is totally fallacious”

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

 

Adron Homes and Properties extends warm greetings to the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.

As we mark the end of Ramadan, a season of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, we reflect on the values of unity, gratitude, and generosity that define this celebration. The blessings of fasting and prayers bring peace, progress, and abundance to our beloved nation, and we pray for continued harmony, stability, and prosperity for Nigeria and its people.

At Adron Homes, this season is also a time to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed customers. Your trust, loyalty, and commitment to choosing Adron Homes as your partner in the journey to homeownership mean everything to us. Your belief in our vision inspires us to continue providing affordable, luxurious, and accessible housing solutions, making homeownership a reality for all.

As you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and countless blessings. We remain dedicated to building vibrant communities where families can thrive and create lasting memories.

Eid Mubarak! Thank you for being part of the Adron Homes family.

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loan book (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive. Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability. We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

 

In a dramatic courtroom turn, Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court has once again cleared billionaire tech magnate Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies, alongside his wife Chioma Ekeh and 11 others, dismissing the ₦162 million fraud allegations filed against them as a “gross abuse of court process.”

The high-profile suit was spearheaded by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who purportedly acted on the authority of a fiat granted by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The case alleged fraudulent diversion of funds linked to a laptop supply contract with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on behalf of Benjamin Joseph, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

However, Justice Ebong delivered a scathing rebuke, highlighting that the case had already been exhaustively investigated by multiple courts and law enforcement agencies, all of which found the allegations unsubstantiated.

“One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants,” Justice Ebong remarked, sharply critiquing the persistence of the plaintiff. The judge added, “When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”

In his certified ruling dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong unequivocally stated:
“It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”

Defense lawyer Chris Eze Ozims welcomed the ruling, noting, “This judgment aligns with previous court decisions, reaffirming that these allegations are baseless.”

Chief defense counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) went further, describing the verdict as a “victory for integrity and the rule of law.”

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