In a major fraud case rocking Nigeria’s energy sector, an Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 others were on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly diverting diesel worth over ₦4 billion belonging to Dangote Industries Limited.
They were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu by the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Ikoyi.
The accused include employees of Dangote Industries as well as workers from various haulage and logistics companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its plants in Ibese and Obajana.
The other defendants are:
- Ikechukwu Obi
- Chigozie Osukwu
- Ukaegbu Chukwuma
- Umeh Ugochukwu
- Emmanuella Akamadu (female)
- Zango Umar
- Emmanuel Oku
- Shaibu Michael
- Lucky Otoide
- Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu
- Ephraim Kanakapudi
- Omojowo Emmanuel
What They Did
Prosecutor M.Y. Bello explained that the accused conspired to divert millions of litres of diesel (AGO) meant for Dangote’s industrial use between January 2022 and December 2023.
Specifically, the Indian national, Tukur, was said to have represented Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, and Prestige Ltd companies contracted by Dangote to move diesel when he allegedly diverted 1.53 million litres of AGO, valued at ₦1.53 billion.
In another case, Omojowo Emmanuel, Managing Director of Opetrus Global Ltd, was accused of illegally diverting 2.45 million litres of diesel, worth over ₦2.45 billion, before December 20, 2023.
The companies linked to the defendants include:
- Arigen Integrated Ltd
- Obat Ltd
- Amaiden Energy Ltd
- Regal Gate Ltd
- Alkham Ltd
- Prestige Ltd
- Opetrus Global Ltd
Charges and Pleas
All 13 individuals face 16 counts involving conspiracy, diversion of petroleum products, and receiving proceeds from unlawful activity.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Some of the accused had previously been granted bail, and on Tuesday, they were re-arraigned on an amended charge following the arrests of the Indian national and two others Ephraim and Omojowo.
The charges fall under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code Act, with penalties including jail terms.
What’s Next?
Justice Dipeolu has adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025, when the trial will formally begin.