Indian National, 12 Others Arraigned Over Alleged N4 Billion Diesel Diversion From Dangote Industries
In a high-profile case involving cross-border corporate fraud, the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, arraigned an Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 other individuals, over the alleged diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, valued at over ₦4 billion, property of Dangote Industries Limited.
The suspects appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, to face a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal diversion of petroleum products, and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted goods. The allegations, brought by prosecuting counsel Mr. M. Y. Bello, implicate staff members of Dangote Industries as well as employees of several contracted transport firms.
Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, the alleged fraud was perpetrated between January 2022 and December 2023, during which large volumes of AGO meant for delivery to Dangote’s Ibese and Obajana plants were systematically diverted. The accused allegedly acted in concert to misappropriate the products and profit from their illegal sale.
Among those arraigned are:
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Ikechukwu Obi
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Chigozie Osukwu
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Ukaegbu Chukwuma
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Umeh Ugochukwu
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Emmanuella Akamadu
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Zango Umar
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Emmanuel Oku
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Shaibu Michael
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Lucky Otoide
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Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu
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Ephraim Kanakapudi
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Omojowo Emmanuel
Several of the defendants were identified as direct employees of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, including Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi. Others were employees of contracted logistics firms such as Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, Prestige Ltd, Amaiden Energy Ltd, Obat Ltd, Arigen Integrated Ltd, and Opetrus Global Ltd.
Magnitude of Diversion
The prosecution alleges that Tukur Shamsudden, acting on behalf of Regal Gate, Alkham, and Prestige Limited, orchestrated the diversion of 1,530,893 litres of diesel, valued at over ₦1.53 billion. Similarly, Omojowo Emmanuel, managing director of Opetrus Global Ltd, is accused of diverting 2,455,229 litres of AGO worth approximately ₦2.45 billion.
Combined, the total diverted volume surpasses 3.9 million litres of diesel, drawing significant public and industry attention due to the scale of the alleged misconduct and the economic implications.
Legal Ramifications
The offences contravene 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. Additionally, the crimes breach provisions of the Criminal Code Act, specifically Sections 383(2)(a), 390, and 516.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their re-arraignment on the amended charge sheet, which was updated to reflect recent arrests, including that of the Indian national and two others previously at large.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
Prosecutor M.Y. Bello noted that some of the defendants had previously been granted bail under varying terms in earlier proceedings. However, with the amended charges and full representation of all accused, the court re-arraigned the defendants to allow a fresh commencement of the trial.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the official opening of the trial.
Conclusion
This case marks one of the most significant corporate-related fuel diversion prosecutions in Nigeria in recent times, especially given the stature of Dangote Industries Limited in the country’s energy and industrial landscape. As the trial begins, stakeholders across legal, energy, and corporate governance sectors will be closely monitoring its outcomes for broader implications on internal controls, contract oversight, and anti-fraud enforcement within Nigeria’s petroleum logistics chain.
