…defendants, comprising staff members of Dangote and officials of transport companies.
The iNews Times reports that a high-profile case involving an Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 other individuals including Dangote staff members has taken a dramatic turn as they were arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
The defendants are accused of conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited.
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, were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu.
The Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited staff members implicated include Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi, while others were employed by various transport companies, including Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr. M.Y. Bello, the offences were committed between January 2022 and December 2023.
Specifically, Tukur Shamsudden, representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, allegedly diverted 1,530,893 liters of AGO valued at N1.53 billion.
Additionally, Omojowo, the Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, was accused of fraudulently diverting 2,455,229 liters of AGO valued at N2.46 billion.
The prosecution argued that the offences contravened Sections 21(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
The defendants’ actions were also said to have violated Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, punishable under Sections 390 and 516.
All 13 defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court was informed that some defendants had previously been granted bail under different conditions.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for commencement.
