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| Defendants appear at Lagos Federal High Court over N4 billion diesel diversion from Dangote refinery |
An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 others faced a Lagos Federal High Court judge on June 11. They stand accused of diverting diesel worth over N4 billion from Dangote Industries Limited .
They appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu. The Police Special Fraud Unit at Ikoyi brought a 16-count charge. The counts cover conspiracy, dishonest diversion of diesel, and receiving stolen proceeds .
The accused include refinery staff and logistics workers from Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, Prestige Ltd, and Opetrus Global Ltd. Prosecutors say the offences ran from January 2022 to December 2023 .
Shamsudden, linked to three firms, is said to have diverted 1.5 million litres of diesel, valued at N1.53 billion. Omojowo Emmanuel, the MD of Opetrus Global, stands accused of diverting 2.45 million litres worth N2.45 billion .
Other defendants include Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu, Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, and Ephraim Kanakapudi . All pleaded not guilty.
The charges cite the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and sections of the Criminal Code Act. Prosecutors told the court that some defendants were on bail. They asked to update charges after new arrests .
Justice Dipeolu set July 22 and 23 for the trial start. The judge urged all parties to be ready. He warned against further delays.
Many Nigerians see this case as a test of the justice system. A law expert said swift trials can boost faith in courts. They noted Nigeria’s fight against oil and gas fraud must be firm.
Dangote Industries Limited did not comment by press time. The firm is Africa’s largest oil refinery operator. It processes over 650,000 barrels of crude daily. Diesel, or Automotive Gas Oil, is a key product used across Nigeria.
Diesel theft has cost firms billions yearly. Trucks or pipelines often lose fuel to fraud. Firms link missing fuel to fake paperwork and sham companies. Prosecutors say insiders help hide theft.
This case uses data from police logs and company records. Investigators traced fuel loads from refinery tanks to trucks. They found gaps in delivery reports. Bank transfers matched shady invoices.
Investigators say they seized documents from homes and offices. They recovered emails showing looted fuel sales. Investigators also froze some bank accounts tied to accused firms.
Defence teams argued bail terms were too strict. They asked lenient bail for low-risk defendants. Some have health issues needing regular care. Judge Dipeolu said he will rule on bail motions before trial.
The case highlights gaps in refinery security. Experts urge Dangote and peers to boost checks. They recommend digital tracking for each tanker load. They want real-time GPS data and tamper-proof seals.
Nigeria’s oil sector lost over N200 billion yearly to fuel fraud, says an industry report. Diesel loss raises local prices and strains supply. In urban areas, diesel powers generators when electricity fails. Theft can spur power blackouts in homes and offices.
Senators have backed tighter laws on fuel haulage. A bill under review would increase jail terms for fuel theft from five to fifteen years. It also imposes stiffer fines for firms that collude in fraud.
Civil society groups call for open trials. They want full disclosure of evidence and witness names. They say that shows commitment to transparency. Some groups pledged to monitor court sessions.
Community activists in Lekki, where the offences partly occurred, held a brief rally. They demanded justice and better jobs to curb crime. They blamed high youth unemployment for rising fraud.
This arraignment follows other recent cases. In early 2025, six men were charged over N142 million diesel theft from the same refinery . That case saw bulk loads of 90,000 litres stolen.
Authorities argue that fuel fraud involves both low-level hangers and top managers. They warn that anyone found guilty, however senior, will face the law.
Family members of some accused attended the court. They looked tense but hopeful. They said their relatives are innocent and hardworking.
When trial opens, prosecutors plan to call force investigators, refinery auditors, and forensic accountants. Defence will question the chain of custody of evidence.
Observers say this trial could last months. They expect complex forensic reports and financial records. The scale of alleged fraud is among the largest in Nigeria’s oil history.
As Nigeria seeks to curb corruption, high-profile cases build public trust. Clear verdicts and fair sentencing can set new norms. They can also deter other would-be fraudsters.
Next hearing on July 22 will start with bail rulings. Then both sides will outline their main proofs. The judge may allow some witnesses to testify by video.
For Nigerians watching, the case means hope. If courts deliver justice swiftly, it shows no one is above the law. It also means better fuel security and lower costs for consumers.
The trial will be open to the public. Interested citizens and press are welcome at the Ikoyi court complex. Updates will follow as the trial unfolds.