Dangote diesel theft arraignment: Indian, 12 others face trial

A Lagos State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Tinubu, Lagos Island, has arraigned 13 individuals, including an Indian national, over the alleged diversion of diesel valued at more than N4 billion belonging to Dangote Refinery.

The foreign national, identified as Tukur Shamsudden, was arraigned alongside 12 others—comprising refinery staff and logistics operatives—on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion, and theft of about 1.3 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred between December 2023 and May 2024. The accused persons reportedly colluded to divert several truckloads of diesel meant for refinery operations. The product, the court was told, was sold on the black market for personal gain, resulting in a staggering financial loss to the company.

During the proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Prosecuting counsel Morufu Animashaun urged the court to deny bail, particularly for the foreign national, citing concerns that he might flee the country to evade justice.

Presiding Magistrate O. M. Ajayi granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦50 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be Nigerian citizens with verifiable means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment. The case has been adjourned to July 18, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The development has stirred public interest, with many calling for tighter controls and internal checks within the downstream petroleum sector to prevent further breaches of trust in corporate logistics. Dangote Refinery, which has been hailed as a game-changer in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.