A high-profile case involving the alleged diversion of diesel worth N4 billion has taken a dramatic turn with the arraignment of 13 individuals, including an Indian citizen, before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The defendants, who include staff members of Dangote Industries Limited and officials of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots, were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on Tuesday.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted products. The alleged offenses were committed between January 2022 and December 2023, with the defendants accused of diverting massive quantities of diesel from Dangote’s depots to unknown destinations.
The Indian citizen, Tukur Shamsudden, who represented Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, companies contracted by Dangote Industries Limited, was accused of diverting 1,530,893 liters of AGO valued at N1,530,893 billion. Another defendant, Omojowo Emmanuel, the Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, was accused of diverting 2,455,229 liters of AGO valued at N2,455,229 billion.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, include 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. The prosecution team, led by Mr. M. Y. Bello, informed the court that some of the defendants had earlier been granted bail under different conditions when they were first arraigned.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of the trial. The judge ordered the defendants to remain in custody pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. The prosecution team is expected to present its case against the defendants, who are accused of masterminding the massive diesel diversion scheme.
The alleged diversion of diesel worth N4 billion is a serious offense that contravenes the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code Act. If convicted, the defendants could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The case highlights the need for companies to implement robust internal controls to prevent such incidents and ensure that their employees and contractors adhere to ethical business practices.
The Dangote Group has been a major player in Nigeria’s economy, and the alleged diversion of diesel worth N4 billion is a serious blow to the company’s operations. The company has invested heavily in the Nigerian economy and has been a major employer of labor. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of the defendants and the extent of their involvement in the alleged diversion of diesel.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in cases of oil theft and product diversion, which has resulted in significant losses for oil companies and the government. The alleged diversion of diesel worth N4 billion is a classic example of the kind of theft that has become rampant in the country’s oil industry. The case highlights the need for the government and oil companies to take decisive action to prevent such incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.
The arraignment of the 13 defendants is a significant development in the fight against oil theft and product diversion in Nigeria. The case is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are eager to see the outcome of the trial. If the defendants are found guilty, it will serve as a deterrent to others who engage in similar activities. The case will also highlight the importance of cooperation between oil companies, government agencies, and law enforcement agencies in preventing and investigating cases of oil theft and product diversion.
