Indian National, 12 Others Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Diversion Of N4billion Diesel From Dangote Company
Indian National, 12 Others Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Diversion Of N4billion Diesel From Dangote Company
Justice Deinde Dipeolu presided over the arraignment, where the accused were slammed with a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds of crime.
An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 others were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, over the alleged unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) — diesel — valued at over N4 billion, property of Dangote Industries Limited.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu presided over the arraignment, where the accused were slammed with a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds of crime.
The defendants include staff members of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Transport as well as employees of third-party logistics and energy firms contracted by Dangote Industries, including Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Ltd.
According to prosecuting counsel, Mr. M. Y. Bello, the offences occurred between January 2022 and December 2023.
He alleged that Shamsudden, representing Regal Gate, Alkham, and Prestige, diverted over 1.5 million litres of diesel valued at N1.53 billion.
Another defendant, Omojowo Emmanuel, Managing Director of Opetrus Global Ltd, allegedly diverted 2.45 million litres of AGO worth N2.45 billion.
Other accused persons include Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu, Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.
The alleged crimes violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code Act.
All defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution noted that some of the accused had earlier been granted bail and informed the court of an amended charge following the arrest of Shamsudden and two others.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case until July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
