Indian National, Dangote Workers Arraigned for Alleged Diversion of N4bn Worth of Diesel

LAGOS, NIGERIA – An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 others, was arraigned on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, by operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, over the alleged unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited.

The accused appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court. The co-defendants 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.

They are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal diversion of AGO, and receiving proceeds from the fraudulently diverted products.

According to the prosecution, led by Mr. M.Y. Bello, the defendants include both Dangote Industries Limited employees and personnel from transport firms contracted to distribute diesel from Dangote’s depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.

Specifically identified Dangote staff involved are Emmanuella Akamadu, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi. Other accused individuals are said to be associated with companies including Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.

The offences reportedly occurred between January 2022 and December 2023.

Shamsudden, who represented Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, and Prestige Ltd — all firms contracted by Dangote Industries — allegedly diverted 1,530,893 litres of diesel worth approximately N1.53 billion.

Similarly, Omojowo, acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, which was engaged to handle diesel transloading to Dangote’s tank farm, is accused of diverting 2,455,229 litres valued at N2.45 billion by December 20, 2023.

The prosecutor stated that these offences are in breach of 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, carrying penalties under Sections 390 and 516.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bello noted that some defendants had previously been granted bail under varying conditions from earlier proceedings.

At Tuesday’s hearing, the court was informed of an amended charge filed following the arrests of Shamsudden, Kanakapudi, and Omojowo, prompting a re-arraignment of all 13 defendants on the updated charges.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter until July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.