13 Defendants Arraigned for Alleged N4bn Diesel Diversion

Thirteen individuals, including an Indian citizen, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 others, were arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion. The diesel is said to be the property of Dangote Industries Limited.

The defendants include:

1. Tukur Shamsudden (Indian citizen)
2. Ikechukwu Obi
3. Chigozie Osukwu
4. Ukaegbu Chukwuma
5. Umeh Ugochukwu
6. Emmanuella Akamadu (female)
7. Zango Umar
8. Emmanuel Oku
9. Shaibu Michael
10. Lucky Otoide
11. Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu
12. Ephraim Kanakapudi
13. Omojowo Emmanuel

The defendants are facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion of AGO, and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted products. According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr. M. Y. Bello, the defendants, comprising staff members of Dangote Industries Limited and officials of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants, committed the offences

The prosecutor alleged that Tukur Shamsudden, while representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, diverted 1,530,893 liters of AGO valued at N1,530,893 billion. Omojowo Emmanuel, acting as the Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, was alleged to have fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 liters of AGO valued at N2,455,229 billion.

All 13 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of the trial. The judge also granted bail to some of the defendants who had previously been granted bail under different conditions.