Indian, Dangote workers arraigned for diverting N4bn diesel

An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and some employees of Dangote Industries Limited have been arraigned before the court for allegedly diverting Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, worth over N4 billion belonging to the company.

The Indian and 12 others were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos State by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in the Ikoyi area of the state on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The defendants were arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion of petroleum products, and receiving proceeds of criminal activity.

Those arraigned alongside Shamsudden include Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi, Chigozie Chrisogonus Osukwu, Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma, Umeh Johnpaul Ugochukwu, Akamadu Emmanuella (female), and Zango Mohammed Umar.

Others are Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel.

The prosecution disclosed that the accused are employees of Dangote Industries Limited and staff of various transport companies contracted to haul diesel from Dangote depots to the company’s plants in Ibese and Obajana.

These companies include Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.

The prosecution counsel, M. Y. Bello, told the court that the alleged offences occurred between January 2022 and December 2023.

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Bello said Shamsudden, while acting on behalf of Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited – all contractors to Dangote Industries – fraudulently diverted 1,530,893 litres of diesel valued at N1.53 billion.

Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel, who acted as Managing Director of Opetrus Global Limited, was also accused of fraudulently diverting 2,455,229 litres of diesel worth N2.45 billion.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened 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.

According to the prosecution, the offences also violate Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, and are punishable under Sections 390 and 516.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Some of the accused had earlier been granted bail.

However, at the resumed hearing, the court was presented with an amended charge, following the recent arrest of Shamsudden, Kanakapudi, and Emmanuel.

The presiding judge, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, therefore, adjourned the matter to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The Star