An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, alongside 12 others, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) worth over ₦4 billion, property of Dangote Industries Limited.

The suspects, comprising staff of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and transport company operatives, were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu by the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of diesel, and money laundering.

Among those arraigned are: Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu, Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.

Prosecuting counsel M. Y. Bello alleged that the offences were committed between January 2022 and December 2023. “The accused conspired to divert large volumes of diesel intended for Dangote’s Ibese and Obajana plants,” Bello told the court.

He specifically accused Shamsudden of diverting 1,530,893 litres of diesel valued at ₦1.53 billion, while representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, and Prestige Ltd. Similarly, Omojowo, representing Opetrus Global Ltd, allegedly diverted 2,455,229 litres worth ₦2.45 billion.

“These are proceeds of fraudulently diverted products,” Bello said, adding that the defendants violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code Act.

Some of the accused had previously been granted bail. However, with the recent arrests of Shamsudden, Kanakapudi, and Omojowo, the charges were amended and all 13 accused were re-arraigned on Tuesday.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to July 22 and 23, 2025, for trial.