Lagos, Nigeria June 12, 2025 An Indian national and thirteen Nigerians, including several employees of Dangote Industries Limited, were on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged involvement in a sophisticated scheme to steal over N4 billion worth of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from the company.
The defendants were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on a 16-count charge that includes conspiracy, unlawful diversion of petroleum products, and receiving proceeds of crime. The alleged theft, which is said to have occurred between January 2022 and December 2023, involved the systematic diversion of large quantities of diesel belonging to the Dangote Group.
The accused have been identified as Tukur Shamsudden (an Indian national), Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu, Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, Adewale Sasamura, and Omojowo Emmanuel.
According to the prosecution, some of the defendants were employees of Dangote Industries Limited, while others worked for various logistics companies contracted to transport the diesel. The charge sheet alleges that the accused conspired to divert the petroleum product from its intended destinations.
The court heard that the alleged stolen diesel is valued at over N4 billion. The prosecution counsel detailed how the complex operation was allegedly carried out, involving the manipulation of records and the diversion of trucks laden with diesel.
All fourteen defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for the commencement of trial. The arraignment highlights a significant crackdown on what appears to be a major fuel theft syndicate operating within the logistics chain of one of Nigeria's largest conglomerates. Further details are expected to emerge as the trial progresses.
