Indian, Dangote workers arraigned for alleged diversion of N4bn diesel
An Indian citizen, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 others, faced arraignment on Tuesday by the Police Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy and the unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. The total value of the diverted diesel is estimated to exceed N4 billion, the property of Dangote Industries Limited.
The defendants appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, including notable names such as Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu, and others. They are charged with 16 counts relating to conspiracy, unlawful diversion of AGO, and receiving proceeds from fraudulently diverted products.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Mr. M. Y. Bello informed the court that the defendants were either staff members of Dangote Industries Limited or officials of transportation companies responsible for moving diesel from Dangote depots to its facilities in Ibese and Obajana. Bello specifically highlighted several Dangote employees involved in the alleged scheme.
The alleged infractions occurred between January 2022 and December 2023. Tukur Shamsudden, reportedly acting on behalf of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, is accused of diverting 1,530,893 liters of AGO valued at N1.53 billion. In another instance, Omojowo Emmanuel, as Managing Director of Opetrus Global Ltd, is said to have diverted 2,455,229 liters of AGO worth N2.46 billion.
These actions are claimed to contravene various sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, as well as the Criminal Code Act, with potential penalties outlined in the relevant statutory provisions.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court was informed that some had previously been granted bail under different conditions prior to this arraignment. Following the introduction of amended charges relating to the arrest of Tukur and additional defendants, the court has rescheduled the trial for commencement on July 22 and 23, 2025.
Source: PUNCH
