On June 11, 2025, the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Lagos arraigned Indian national Tukur Shamsudden and 12 other individuals before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over the alleged diversion of 1,530,893 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion. The defendants, including employees of Dangote Industries Limited and officials from various transport companies, face a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, theft and fraudulent diversion of the commodity. The case, which has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the prominence of Dangote Industries, highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain.
The prosecution, led by the SFU, alleges that the offenses occurred between January 2022 and December 2023. During this period, Shamsudden, acting as a representative of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited—companies contracted by Dangote Industries to transport diesel—was allegedly central to the scheme. The diesel was intended for delivery to Dangote’s cement plants in Ibese, Ogun State, and Obajana, Kogi State, but was reportedly diverted for unauthorized purposes, resulting in significant financial losses.
Among the defendants are five Dangote Industries employees: Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Mohammed Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi. The remaining defendants are linked to transport and logistics firms, including Arigen Integrated Ltd, Obat Ltd, Amaiden Energy Ltd, and Opetrus Global Ltd, which were involved in the transportation contracts. The SFU alleges that these individuals and entities conspired to divert the diesel, either by selling it on the black market or misrepresenting delivery records to conceal the theft.
The 16-count charge includes accusations of conspiracy to commit theft, fraudulent conversion of property, and breach of trust, all punishable under Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act. One specific count details how the defendants allegedly conspired to steal 1,530,893 liters of AGO, valued at over N4 billion, by diverting it from its intended destinations. The prosecution further claims that the defendants falsified documents and engaged in deceptive practices to cover their tracks, undermining the operational efficiency of Dangote Industries.
Court proceedings revealed that some defendants had previously been granted administrative bail by the SFU under varying conditions, ranging from N5 million to N50 million, with sureties required to match those amounts. However, the arraignment on June 11, 2025, marked the formal presentation of charges before Justice Ayokunle Faji. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and their legal teams are expected to file applications for bail, with the court adjourning to consider these motions and schedule trial dates.
The case underscores systemic issues within Nigeria’s petroleum industry, where diversion and black-market sales of fuel products remain persistent challenges. Dangote Industries, a leading conglomerate with interests in cement, petroleum refining, and other sectors, relies heavily on a steady supply of diesel for its operations. The alleged diversion not only represents a significant financial loss but also raises questions about internal controls and oversight within the company’s supply chain management.
Public reaction, as observed has been mixed, with some expressing outrage over the scale of the alleged theft, while others have questioned the accuracy of reports, particularly those misattributing the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instead of the SFU. The SFU, not the EFCC, is the lead investigative body in this matter, as confirmed by court documents and credible news reports.
The arraignment also brings attention to the broader issue of fuel theft in Nigeria, a country where petroleum products are frequently targeted due to their high market value and demand. The involvement of an Indian national and multiple corporate entities suggests a complex network, potentially spanning international and local actors. Legal analysts anticipate that the trial will explore the extent of coordination among the defendants and whether higher-level operatives were involved.
As the case progresses, it is expected to shed light on vulnerabilities in the logistics and transportation sectors, particularly for high-value commodities like diesel. Dangote Industries has not issued a public statement on the arraignment, but the company is likely to strengthen its internal auditing processes to prevent future incidents. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for how similar cases of industrial-scale theft are handled in Nigeria’s judicial system.
The court is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks to address bail applications and commence the trial. Prosecutors are preparing to present evidence, including delivery records, financial transactions, and witness testimonies, to substantiate the charges. Meanwhile, the defendants’ legal teams are likely to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that the accusations lack sufficient proof or that their clients were unaware of any illicit activities.
