Indian National, Dangote Staff Arraigned Over Alleged Diversion of N4bn Diesel
An Indian citizen, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 others, was arraigned on Tuesday by the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly conspiring to unlawfully divert Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) worth over N4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited.
The accused were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court, including the Indian national and the following individuals: 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.
They are facing a 16-count charge that includes conspiracy, unlawful diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds from fraudulently diverted products.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. M. Y. Bello, the accused consist of Dangote Industries staff and employees of various transport companies contracted to deliver diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants. Notably, Dangote staff named in the case include Emmanuella Akamadu, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi.
The others were reportedly employed by companies such as Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
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The offences were allegedly committed between January 2022 and December 2023.
Bello told the court that Tukur Shamsudden, representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, and Prestige Ltd—contracted by Dangote Industries—diverted 1,530,893 litres of diesel valued at N1.53 billion. Additionally, Omojowo Emmanuel, said to be the Managing Director of Opetrus Global Ltd, allegedly diverted 2,455,229 litres of diesel valued at N2.45 billion.
These actions, according to the prosecution, violate Sections 21(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act. They also contravene Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, punishable under Sections 390 and 516.
All 13 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution also noted that some of the defendants had previously been granted bail under varying conditions following earlier arraignments.
At the hearing, Bello presented an amended charge reflecting the recent arrests of the Indian national, Ephraim, and Omojowo, prompting a re-arraignment of all the defendants.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for commencement.
