How Dangote officials, others diverted company’s N4bn diesel – Police
An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 other Dangote officials, were on Tuesday arraigned by operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged conspiracy and unlawful diversion of diesel, valued at over ₦4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited.
The accused were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, including the Indian citizen.
The other defendants arraigned are: Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu (female), Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.
They are being prosecuted on 16 counts related to conspiracy, unlawful diversion of AGO, and receiving proceeds from fraudulently diverted products.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. M.Y. Bello, told the court that the defendants include employees of Dangote Industries Limited and personnel from transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.
Among those identified as staff of Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited are: Emmanuella Akamadu, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi.
Other defendants are said to be employees of companies including Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
Bello stated that the alleged offences took place between January 2022 and December 2023.
According to the prosecution, Tukur Shamsudden, while representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited—contracted by Dangote Industries—diverted 1,530,893 litres of AGO valued at ₦1,530,893 billion.
He further alleged that Omojowo Emmanuel, acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company hired to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, unlawfully diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at ₦2,455,229 billion, on or before December 20, 2023.
The prosecutor noted that the alleged offences violated 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, as well as Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, punishable under Sections 390 and 516.
All thirteen defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bello also informed the court that some of the accused had previously been granted bail under varying conditions following their initial arraignment.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the prosecutor disclosed that an amended charge had been filed following the arrests of the Indian national, Ephraim, and Omojowo.
As a result, all defendants were re-arraigned on the new charge.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to July 22 and 23, 2025, for trial commencement.
