An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and twelve Nigerians appeared before the Federal High Court in Lagos this week, facing charges that have shaken Nigeria’s energy and corporate world. They stand accused of stealing diesel valued at over ₦4 billion from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and associated logistics operations.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on detailed intelligence and months of investigation, brought the suspects to court on Tuesday, June 11, 2025. In a courtroom filled with legal representatives, security officials, and media observers, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke read out the 16-count charge brought against the accused.
As the proceedings began, the court heard allegations that the thirteen individuals had conspired to unlawfully divert massive volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, from the refinery. The prosecution argued that the group exploited loopholes within Dangote’s logistics and operations network to siphon the fuel over a period spanning from 2022 to 2023.
Tukur Shamsudden, a key figure in the scandal, allegedly played a central role by collaborating with insiders and transport operators to divert about 1.53 million litres of diesel through shell companies. These companies, including Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd, and Prestige Ltd, reportedly served as fronts to conceal the origin of the stolen fuel.
Another suspect, Omojowo Emmanuel, connected to Remington Global Ltd, faced charges for diverting approximately 2.45 million litres of diesel between July and December 2023. Investigators claim he received the product under the guise of legitimate business transactions and subsequently sold it on the black market, reaping billions in illicit profits.
The prosecution told the court that these operations involved falsified waybills, tampered GPS records on fuel trucks, and deliberate manipulation of internal records. They painted a picture of an elaborate conspiracy involving both junior and senior staff, with every stage of the distribution chain compromised.
In a calm but firm tone, each of the thirteen defendants pleaded “Not Guilty” when the charges were read. Their lawyers signaled readiness to contest the allegations, while the EFCC indicated it would present detailed evidence during the trial, including transaction records, fuel delivery logs, and testimony from insider witnesses.
Justice Aneke adjourned the matter until July 22 and 23, when the trial will officially begin. Until then, the accused remain in custody while the court considers their bail applications.
The courtroom drama has ignited widespread public attention, not just because of the staggering value of the stolen diesel, but because the scandal touches the heart of Nigeria’s hope for energy self-reliance. The Dangote Refinery, launched in 2024 and hailed as the largest single-train refinery in the world, was designed to drastically cut Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. For many Nigerians, this theft represents a betrayal of that vision.
Energy sector experts have expressed concern over the implications of the case. Industry analyst Kunle Abiola described it as a “serious wake-up call” for private sector-led energy operations in Nigeria. According to him, the sheer scale of the theft suggests deep internal vulnerabilities and insufficient oversight in what should be one of the most secure and regulated sectors in the country.
The EFCC, for its part, has remained vocal. In a press briefing after the arraignment, the commission emphasized the seriousness of the case. Officials said that this was not a one-off incident, but rather a well-organized network of theft and fraud that may have links to wider black-market fuel syndicates operating across the country.
According to the EFCC spokesperson, the stolen diesel found its way into unauthorized markets, disrupting fair pricing and contributing to product scarcity in some parts of the country. The commission promised to extend its investigation and hinted that more arrests could follow in the coming weeks, particularly among suspected buyers and facilitators.
While the Dangote Group has not issued a comprehensive public statement on the matter, sources close to the company say it is conducting a massive internal audit. Reports indicate that the company is reviewing its fuel monitoring systems, delivery processes, and contractor relationships. An anonymous staff member from the logistics division admitted that the mood within the organization has shifted to one of caution, suspicion, and intense scrutiny.
“This has really shaken us,” the employee said. “Nobody expected this scale of breach. Everyone is asking—how didn’t we notice earlier?”
For many Nigerians, especially those active on social media, the case has once again exposed the rot within systems meant to serve the public. Online, hashtags like #DangoteTheft and #DieselCartel have trended since the arraignment. One user wrote, “So this is why diesel is always scarce or expensive. Even the new refinery has insiders looting fuel like groundnuts.” Others have expressed frustration with what they see as a pattern of impunity, calling on the judiciary to ensure this case does not fizzle out quietly.
The stakes are high. With billions of naira already lost and public trust on the line, the Dangote Refinery must now demonstrate that it can secure its operations against internal betrayal. The outcome of this case may also set the tone for how private companies handle corporate fraud and theft in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
Justice Aneke has assured both the prosecution and defense that the court will proceed with full transparency. Observers from both the international business community and the Nigerian public are expected to follow the proceedings closely.
As the July trial date approaches, many questions remain unanswered. Who else was involved? Were there higher-level facilitators within the company? How did billions worth of diesel leave a high-security facility without immediate detection? And most importantly, what safeguards will be put in place to prevent another scandal of this magnitude?
For now, what is clear is that the Nigerian judiciary, the EFCC, and the corporate sector face one of the most significant legal battles yet in the fight against economic sabotage.
