An Indian national and several Nigerian employees of the Dangote Group have been arraigned before a Lagos court over allegations of diverting diesel worth N4 billion from the company’s facilities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against the suspects on Tuesday, accusing them of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and economic sabotage. The alleged diversion reportedly involved large volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, siphoned over a period of time through a coordinated internal network.
Among those arraigned is an Indian operations supervisor and multiple Nigerian logistics and supply chain staff believed to have colluded to re-route diesel consignments meant for industrial use. Prosecutors told the court that preliminary investigations revealed a “well-orchestrated scheme” to illegally sell off the diverted fuel for personal gain.
The Dangote Group, in a statement, confirmed the development and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. “We operate a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and misconduct and are working closely with authorities to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law,” the company said.
The EFCC disclosed that the value of the stolen diesel stands at approximately N4 billion, making it one of the most significant corporate theft cases in recent years within Nigeria’s energy sector.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The presiding judge ordered their remand in custody and adjourned the case to a later date for hearing on bail applications.
Legal analysts say the case underscores growing concerns over internal fraud in Nigeria’s industrial and oil logistics sectors, and may prompt more rigorous oversight in corporate operations.
