Mikano International Limited has dismissed allegations linking its Chairman, Mr Mofid Karameh, to criminal activity, describing the claims as false and defamatory. The statement responds to a recent report by Sahara Reporters, which the company says contains unverified and damaging information. Mikano insists that Karameh has never been involved in or investigated for any illegal conduct. The company called the report a serious misrepresentation of both the Chairman's character and the firm's values.
For over 30 years, Mikano International Limited has operated across Nigeria with a reputation built on transparency and ethical business practices, the statement noted. It expressed concern over the spread of misinformation that could harm public perception and damage corporate credibility. The company urged clients, partners, and the public to ignore the report. Mikano confirmed it is considering legal action to protect the reputation of Karameh and the organisation. The firm reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in all its operations and thanked stakeholders for their ongoing support.
Mofid Karameh's name being dragged into a criminal allegation, however unsubstantiated, exposes how quickly reputations can be targeted in Nigeria's high-stakes media environment. That Mikano International Limited felt compelled to issue a formal, strongly worded rebuttal signals the potential damage such reports can inflict, even without evidence. The company did not provide additional documentation or third-party verification to counter the claims, relying instead on its longstanding reputation—an asset that, in Nigeria, often becomes the first line of defense when legal or regulatory clarity is absent.
This incident reflects a broader tension between investigative journalism and corporate power in Nigeria, where media outlets like Sahara Reporters frequently publish allegations that companies label as baseless. Mikano's immediate resort to legal review rather than public disclosure of facts suggests a preference for controlled damage management over open scrutiny. In a business climate where trust is fragile and regulatory oversight inconsistent, public statements become battlegrounds.
Ordinary Nigerians, especially investors and consumers relying on Mikano's products and services, are left to navigate conflicting narratives without independent verification. This erodes confidence in both corporate accountability and media integrity. When reputations are on the line, clarity—not just denial—should be the standard. The wider pattern is clear: in the absence of trusted institutions to arbitrate truth, perception becomes reality.
