Indian national, 12 Nigerians arraigned, court adjourns trial until July 22
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Indian national Tukur Shamsudden and 12 Nigerians have been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also called diesel, valued at over N4 billion, property of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL).
The other defendants that Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos arraigned before Judge Deinde Dipeolu include Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu (female), Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.
They face 16 counts involving conspiracy, unlawful diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted products.
Prosecuting counsel M. Y. Bello told the court that the defendants comprise staff members of DIL and officials of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.
The charge sheet listed the DIL staff as Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi.
Others are employees of Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
Bello told the court that the offences were committed between January 2022 and December 2023.
He alleged that
- Tukur Shamsudden, while representing Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited – companies contracted by DIL – diverted 1,530,893 litres of AGO, valued at N1,530,893 billion
- Omojowo Emmanuel, acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global – a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to Dangote tank farm – fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at N2,455,229 billion on or before 20 December 2023.
Bello said the offences contravene Sections 21(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act, Sections 383(2)(a) and 10 of the Criminal Code Act, and Sections 390 and 516.
All 13 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bello explained that some of the defendants had earlier been granted bail under different conditions when they were first arraigned.
He also informed the court of another amended charge against the defendants, which was filed following the arrest of Shamsudden, Ephraim, and Omojowo.
All the defendants were re-arraigned on the amended charge.
The Judge adjourned the case until July 22 and 23 for the commencement of trial.
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