An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, alongside several employees of Dangote Industries Limited, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly diverting Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion.
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, brought the 13 defendants before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal diversion of petroleum products, and receiving proceeds of criminal activity.
Those arraigned with Shamsudden include Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi, Chigozie Chrisogonus Osukwu, Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma, Umeh Johnpaul Ugochukwu, Akamadu Emmanuella, Zango Mohammed Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel.
According to the prosecution, the accused were either employees of Dangote Industries or affiliated with transport firms contracted to haul diesel from the company’s depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants. These firms include Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
Prosecuting counsel M. Y. Bello revealed that the alleged crimes took place between January 2022 and December 2023. He stated that:
- Tukur Shamsudden, acting for Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, diverted 1,530,893 litres of diesel valued at N1.53 billion.
- Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel, as MD of Opetrus Global Limited, allegedly diverted 2,455,229 litres of diesel worth N2.45 billion.
The charges were brought under Sections 21(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act. The case also invokes Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, with penalties under Sections 390 and 516.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Some had previously been granted bail. At the hearing, an amended charge was presented to the court following the recent arrest of Shamsudden, Kanakapudi, and Emmanuel.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial.