Indian National, 12 others face N4bn diesel diversion charges

Lagos, Nigeria – The Police Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, has charged an Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 others with conspiracy and illegal diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly called diesel. Notably, the stolen product, worth over N4 billion, belongs to Dangote Industries Limited.

The defendants appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Among the accused are Dangote Industries Limited employees and representatives of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.

Specifically, the 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.

Authorities filed 16 charges against them, including conspiracy, illegal AGO diversion, and receiving proceeds from fraud. Prosecuting counsel Mr. M.Y. Bello asserted that the crimes occurred between January 2022 and December 2023.

According to the prosecution, Shamsudden, representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, diverted 1,530,893 liters of AGO worth N1.53 billion. Similarly, Omojowo Emmanuel, Managing Director of Opetrus Global Ltd, allegedly diverted 2,455,229 liters valued at N2.45 billion.

The prosecutor emphasized that these actions violate Sections 21(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Additionally, the offences fall under Section 18(3) of the same Act and Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act.

All 13 defendants pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, the court noted that some had previously secured bail under different conditions during an earlier arraignment.

During Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors filed an amended charge after arresting Shamsudden, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel. Consequently, the court re-arraigned all defendants.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu adjourned the case, scheduling the trial to begin on July 22 and 23, 2025.

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