Indian National, 12 Others Arraigned for Alleged N4 Billion Diesel Theft from Dangote
An Indian citizen, Tukur Shamsudden, along with 12 others, were arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) valued at more than N4 billion, owned by Dangote Industries Limited.
The defendants include Dangote staff and representatives of transport companies contracted to deliver diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants. Others arraigned are 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.
Prosecutor Mr. M. Y. Bello told the court that the offenses, committed between January 2022 and December 2023, involved the fraudulent diversion of over 3.9 million liters of diesel, worth N4 billion.
Specifically, Tukur Shamsudden, representing several companies contracted by Dangote, allegedly diverted 1.53 million liters of diesel valued at about N1.53 billion, while Omojowo, acting as Managing Director of one of the transport firms, allegedly diverted over 2.45 million liters valued at more than N2.45 billion.
The defendants face 16 counts, including conspiracy, unlawful diversion of products, and money laundering under relevant Nigerian laws. All pleaded not guilty.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for commencement.
