Businessman Docked Over Alleged Diversion of N142m Diesel Belonging To Dangote Refinery

The businessman was arraigned before Chief Ejiro Kujenbe on the alleged crimes by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) Annex Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

While arraigning the businessman Monday, the prosecuting Police Officer, Barrister Morufu Animashaun, told the court the defendant conspired with some individuals (now at large) to commit the alleged crimes in January 27, 2025.

He also told the court the defendant and others said to be at large, dishonestly took delivery and 90,000 litres of diesel, valued N142 million, property of Alhaji Bolaji Saheed, and diverted same.

He also told the court that upon commission of the alleged crimes, he fled only to be tracked and arrested at Yobe State.

He told the court that the offences contravened sections 411 and 280  of the Criminal Laws of Lagos state 2015 and punishable under section  287(5) of the same Laws.

Meanwhile, the businessman has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Based on his not guilty plea, his lawyer, Iyeruokin A. O., orally applied for his bail and which he pleaded with to the court to be in liberal terms.

The prosecutor, hinted the court that the bail terms should be in terms that will ensure defendant’s appearance in court until the charge is disposed off.

Chief Magistrate Kujenbe after listening to the prosecutor and the defendant’s lawyer, admitted bail to the defendant he sum of N500,000. 00, with three sureties in like sum.

The sureties also to present evidence of three years tax payment, means of livelihood, adding that the prosecution should verify the bail conditions.

Chief Magistrate Kujenbe, while adjourning the matter for mention, ordered that the businessman be remanded in the facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services, NCoS, pending when he is able to fulfill the bail terms.

Charges against the Businessman read: “That you Adamu Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others (now at large) on or about the 27th January, 2025 Lekki, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, conspired amongst yourself to commit a felony to wit: steal the diesel gotten from Dangote Refinery, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos state 2015.

That you Adamu Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others (now at large) on or about the 27th January, 2025 Lekki, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, dishonestly took delivery and diverted 90,000 litres of diesel (AGO) product valued N142,000, 000.00 (One Hundred and Forty-Two Million Naira) property of Alhaji Bolaji Saheed, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287(5) of the Criminal Law of Lagos state 2015.”