www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Category: BUSINESS

MY VISION FOR BENYBITE FOODS IS TO BECOME A GAME – CHANGER IN NIGERIA ‘S FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY 

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel 

– Mr. Benjamin Kayode-Ojo( Managing Director and the CEO of Benybite Foods Nigeria Ltd )

 

Early in July, 2025 the Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang commissioned Benybite Foods grains milling factory in Jos, described as the largest of its kind in Plateau state and the second most advanced food processing facility in Nigeria.

The plant has the capacity to mill 6,000 tons of maize monthly and clean over 10,000 tons of maize. The entire facility is built with stainless steel technology, making it one of the most food-processing–friendly environments in the country,

 

 

From all indications the plant could serve as a key supplier of raw materials to the nearby Jos International Breweries and other food and beverage industries nationwide.

 

 

According to the governor, Mutfwang: “We envision a future where Plateau state becomes the raw materials hub for industries across Nigeria. This factory is a strategic part of that vision,” he explained while pledging the Plateau state government in terms of stable electricity supply and good access roads. In fact, he commended the noble efforts of the brain behind the laudable project,Mr. Benjamin Kayode-Ojo. But who is this latest industrialist in town who is becoming a game – changer in boosting food security and job creation in the country ?

 

 

During a media interaction he provided answers to shed brighter light about his background, what inspired and motivated him to engage in the project, how he overcame the obstacles, his training programs and of course, his plans for the future.

 

 

” I am Mister Ajibola Benjamin Kayode-Ojo, born in Gwada, Niger State. I graduated from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, served at Grand Cereals Limited in 1999. I later started my working career in the same institution immediately after service. While there I rose to become the National Sales Manager before I resigned to start my business on February 4th, 2020. I attended several courses.

 

 

On what inspired him to actively engage in the project and the challenges faced he has this to say: ” It has always been my dream to start a personal business. That was why, despite several overtures from different companies, I rejected all the offers until the opportunity came in 2020 for me to start.

Funding was the biggest challenge, but with the goodwill built over the years, a greater chunk of the raw materials supplied were based on trust.”

 

 

Interestingly, according to him, most of the staff joined him from Grand Cereals Limited based on the trust that he has always delivered. “Some are even colleagues because of my track record in sales, and they believe that the new venture will succeed. They resigned voluntarily from Grand Cereals Limited to follow me.”

 

 

Basically, the company pills grains, beginning with maize for the processing. To succeed at that and get the Benybite Maize product he explained the nitty gritty of the partnership. “We invite experts in different fields to talk to us on different subjects that are related to our business. We also engage technical partners as consultants to work directly with our staff for skills acquisition. We do mostly B/B, but recently, we are going into FMCG as there is a growing need for our product.”

 

 

And for the government’s support he stated that: “We want the government to fix the road leading to the factory and also work in collaboration with us to resuscitate the Jos International Brewery as the factory is strategically located to the Brewery with the needed processed grains.”

 

 

Explaining how he felt during the commissioning of the factory by the Plateau state government, he gleefully stated that: “I am so excited, I give thanks to God for good upbringing, teaching us daily good values, and instilling in us the ‘CAN DO’ spirit. We believe we must remain resolute and focus our attention on the opportunities as we navigate through the tough terrain.”

 

As a leading light in food processing, he has some words of admonition for the current generation of Nigerian youths.”Pray and believe in yourself. Take away your fears. You don’t know how far you can go until you launch out. For every obstacle, there is always a way out.”

 

 

On his vision for the future he explained that: “Our plans for the future are to churn out more world-class products that can stand its ground in the global market through the promotions of local raw materials”.

 

In conclusion he was full of commendations to Governor Mutfwang for his support and leadership. The Benybite CEO said: “Your Excellency, this commissioning would not have been possible without your passion and commitment to industrial growth. We sincerely appreciate you for honoring our request despite your busy schedule.

 

“Benybite Foods Company in Jos places Plateau state at the epicentre of modern agricultural processing in the country “.

JUST IN: Again, Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price

Posted on by admin50

 

In a move aimed at further easing the financial burden on Nigerians, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the pump price of petrol, lowering it from ₦840 to ₦820 per litre.

This marks the second price cut within a week, following an earlier reduction from ₦880 to ₦840, bringing the total decrease to ₦60—a 6.82% drop in just seven days.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, Anthony Chiejina, spokesperson for the Dangote Group, said the decision underscores the company’s commitment to supporting Nigerians during tough economic times by making fuel more affordable and accessible.

“We have reduced petrol gantry price to N820 from N840 per litre,” he stated, noting that the price slash took effect from Tuesday.

Recall that Dangote, NNPC and other major fuel distributors in Nigeria hiked petrol prices less than three weeks ago, blaming this on the rise in crude oil prices in the international market as occasioned by the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The pump prices of petrol hovered between N915 and N955 at the pumps, then, depending on the location. It was below N900 before the sudden hike.

During the price hike, marketers stated that the product was sold at N960 and N980 in the far north because of the distance.

However, as crude prices fell below $70 last week, the pump prices of PMS also declined. Crude prices had crashed because Israel and Iran stopped bombing each other, alleviating fears of a supply disruption in the Middle East.

As of Tuesday, many filling stations sold petrol below N900 per litre in Lagos and Ogun States.

Platinumpost reports that the filling stations sold petrol at rates ranging from N875 to N890 a litre.

A marginal drop is expected in the price of the product at the pumps.

 

Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day 2025 to Drive Global Support for Inclusive Education

Posted on by admin50

 

Access Bank PLC, in partnership with Fifth Chukker, and UNICEF, is set to host the Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day 2025 on Saturday, July 12 at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, Windsor, United Kingdom. The event brings together philanthropy, elegance, and global advocacy to raise funds for the education of underprivileged children in Nigeria.This annual charity event has become a hallmark of Access Bank’s enduring commitment to sustainable community development, particularly in inclusive education. Over the past decade, this initiative has helped build and equip classroom blocks in Kaduna State, directly impacting the lives of 14,000 children, and offering them a path to learning, growth, and opportunity.According to Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, “This is a platform that unites global changemakers around one common cause: investing in the future of Africa through education.

The partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF is symbolic and transformative.”The 2025 edition will host a distinguished gathering of guests, including high-profile philanthropists, diplomats, captains of industry, among others. Guests will enjoy an exquisite polo tournament and a showcase of the real impact their support is making in underserved communities.In collaboration with UNICEF, funds raised at this year’s event will go towards constructing additional classroom blocks, enhancing learning environments, and supporting the long-term educational needs of children in rural Nigeria.Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, added: “At Access Bank, we believe education is a fundamental right. By aligning our brand with purpose, we are proud to demonstrate that financial success and social impact can and must go hand in hand.”

Also, Jamie Simmonds, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank UK, emphasised the strategic significance of the initiative: “This event reflects the essence of Access Bank UK’s vision, to serve as a bridge between continents, connecting purpose with prosperity. By championing education through this platform, we reinforce our belief that empowering young minds across Africa ultimately shapes a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”The Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day stands as a compelling example of how corporate leadership, global partnerships, and empathy can co-exist to drive meaningful, lasting change, from Kaduna to the UK, and beyond.

A Taste of the World ‘s First Agritourism Festival

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

Quote

“We must rebrand farming to make it fun and profitable”
–
Dr. Moji Davids ( MD, Xtralarge Farms and Resorts )

Call it the power of passion, the voice of vision and the results of resilience by reaping thereof, if you like, or simply refer to it as the positive mentality of seeing only possibilities where others complain about persisting problems you are absolutely right on point. That is, as the wave-making, XtraLarge Farms and Resorts has beautifully evolved to epitomize all these, and more.

For hosting the first-ever World Agritourism Festival, a 90- day event which runs from May 16 to August 12, 2025 in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos state Nigeria, one is not surprised by the soaring waves of accolades from the state and federal governments, the Abike-Dabiri-led Diaspora Commission in addition to the much excited private sector and enlightened individuals as well. What more, Dr. Seyi Davids and Moji Davids, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO and Managing Director,MD respectively of XtraLarge Farms and Resorts are innovatively busy rewriting the history of agriculture with purely organic food items, along with tourism, entertainment while still promoting real estate business. In fact, so delighted was the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, that he gleefully commended Xtralarge Farms and Resorts for launching that epochal event. According to him, this initiative is seen as a boost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The epoch-making festival has the salutatory aims to rebrand and promote sustainable agriculture, attract youth to the sector, and rebrand agriculture as a modern and attractive field through tourism. It features the Wealthinaires Convention, investment opportunities, and networking events. It also includes farm tours, food experiences, and cultural displays. The event is aimed at fostering rural development and preserving cultural heritage.

In specific terms, the Wealthinaires Convention is
a core highlight of the festival, by gathering top minds and impact-driven leaders in the agricultural and tourism sectors. That is for the cross pollination of ideas on moving the food security sector forward. Also, through the Farm Tours visitors can explore XtraLarge Farms and learn about their innovative farming practices and the sustainable solutions they provide. While the Food and Cultural Experiences festival offers opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, discover traditional crafts, and experience the rich culture of Lagos the
Investment Opportunities are keys that open the festival to investors. Besides all these, it aims to connect investors with promising agricultural ventures and promote economic empowerment in rural communities. On its part, the Global Outreach involves international editions of the festival, planned for the United Kingdom, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, and Central Europe. But there is more to the attention – grabbing festival.

Interestingly, the Wealthinaires Convention which took place at the Balmoral Convention Center, Ikeja, Lagos brought great minds together to key into the vision of the history — making festival with highly inspiring testimonies from some active members of the XtraLarge Farms family. For instance, a young lady who left the banking world to invest a meagre fifteen thousand naira (N15,000) back in 2018 openly confessed that she has made over Ten million from XtraLarge Farms and Resorts since then. That was even as it was announced that there was another cheque of One million, two hundred thousand (N1,200,000) waiting for her on that memorable day. Some others praised the company for the effectiveness of the organic food items that have healed them of one debilitating disease or the other, including diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney challenges.

Worthy of note is one significant factor that has stood the company out in good stead and that is integrity. It holds its words of promises and pledges in high esteem. It has never violated that sacred element of Trust. And that has garnered a lot of respect from individuals and investors across the social spectrum, from across the globe. That makes a great impact on its business transactions and pragmatic partnerships it has being engaged in over the decades. So, July 11th, 2025:slated for the Grand Summit, Awards, and Gala Night at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja would furthermore strengthen its cardinal objectives.

These of course, include the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food security.
the boosting of rural development and economic empowerment to the investors. In addition, is the
preservation of cultural heritage, to showcase Nigeria’s agricultural potential to the world and attract investment and partnerships in the agricultural sector. Also, it would encourage youth and Diaspora involvement in agriculture.

To underscore the importance of marrying agriculture ( business and food security) with tourism and entertainment ( pleasure), a feat which XtraLarge Farms and Resorts has achieved, in 2024 alone Nigeria experienced a surge in tourism, particularly during the “Detty December” period as it is fondly called which saw a record-breaking revenue of N111.5 billion, with an estimated 1.2 million visitors, including both international and domestic tourists. It means that both Travel and tourism contributed 3.9% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2024, generating around ₦9.55 trillion (approximately $14.8 billion). That is awesome.

So, one can imagine how those figures would increase as XtraLarge Farms and Resorts intends to attract one million visitors to the Agritech City, at Idiroko every year. With that, Nigeria will begin to rub shoulders with South Africa, the USA, Ghana, the UK, and Germany which were among the top countries with visitors to Nigeria in 2024. Notable is that in the same year France ranked first with 102 million tourists, followed by
Spain with 93.8 million tourists and the
United States, 72.4 million tourists. So, what lessons should we learn from these fascinating experiences?

We all-as individuals and organizations – should understand and deploy,as the Davids have done to pursue our vision to its logical conclusion, no matter how high the hurdles we have to scale over might be. We should understand the importance of the bringing together of like minds who share in that same vision with us. And eventually, it pays being a good manager of people, money and materials, breathing the spirit of communality and seeing it as a family business..Above all, ” the secret of success is constancy of purpose” as Benjamin Disraeli aptly stated and as the duo of the Davids have rightly done.

Dangote Holds “Key To Lower Inflation” –Economic Think Tank

Posted on by admin50

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been identified as crucial to reducing inflation in Nigeria, according to a report by the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited think tank.

In its recently published Lagos Business School (LBS) Executive Breakfast Presentation for July, the think tank noted that Dangote Refinery has become the key mechanism for reducing petrol prices and lowering transport fares.

The report, presented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FDC, Bismarck Rewane, added that Dangote’s uniform pricing policy and credit facilities to marketers represent a game changer that will revolutionise Nigeria’s downstream oil sector by cutting logistics costs.

“Dangote’s uniform pricing and credit to marketers is a game changer and a catalyst for more private sector investment. The initiative is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s oil downstream business by cutting logistics costs and by spending over N1.7 trillion annually,” it stated, emphasising that Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution strategy, which involves deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks nationwide, will lower pump prices, curb inflation, and support over 42 million MSMEs.

“With 4,000 CNG-powered trucks delivering refined products directly to the doorsteps of end-users, the move will lower pump prices, curb inflation, and support over 42 million MSMEs.”

The report stressed that the Nigerian economy is experiencing a classic oil price paradox: when global oil prices rise, the government benefits financially and the naira strengthens, yet there is little advantage for the average person. Conversely, when oil prices fall, consumers rejoice at lower petrol prices while the government suffers financially.

On the international front, the report observed that the global economy has swung from exaggerated fears of market volatility and uncertainty to the irrational exuberance of momentum traders and speculators, who are profiting by exploiting the anxieties of those fixated on maintaining the status quo.

Dangote Refinery Slashes Fuel Prices as Petrol Marketers Convene Emergency Meeting

Posted on by admin50

 

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has reduced its premium motor spirit ex-depot price to N840 from N880 per litre.

This comes as petroleum product marketers plan an emergency meeting to drop fuel prices from Tuesday.

The President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, disclosed this to DAILY POST during an exclusive interview on Monday.

“It is true. Dangote Refinery reduced its petrol ex-depot price to N840 from N880 per litre on Monday. We are happy.

“Our members would implement the new price once they load new products,” he stated.
This showed that the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery slashed its petrol ex-depot prices by N40 per litre.

Marketers will drop petrol price nationwide Tuesday – IPMAN

Maigandi said petroleum marketers will be having an emergency meeting on Tuesday to decide on a new petrol price nationwide.

“We will be meeting on Tuesday to review our PMS prices following the latest petrol reduction announced by Dangote. Certainly the petrol price would come down from tomorrow,”

The downward review of Dangote Refinery’s gantry price comes after the company implemented a price hike on June 20, 2025, following a surge in global oil prices as a result of the war between Israel and Iran in the Middle East.

As of Monday afternoon, petroleum product marketers and filling station owners in Lagos and Abuja dispensed fuel between N875 and N970 per litre, depending on the outlets.

MRS filling station, Dangote Refinery’s partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, AA Rano, Shafa, Mobile, Eterna, and AP Ardova sell petrol at N945 per litre as of Monday evening. Others, such as Ranoil and Empire filling stations, dispense petrol between N950 and N970.

Dangote refinery’s fresh price template comes amid the de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran after the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, announced a ceasefire.

Consequently, global oil prices had witnessed a downward trend as Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to $67.81 and $64.97 per barrel as of Monday night, down from around $79 and $70 weeks back.

Dangote’s N720b CNG trucks to save consumers N1.7t, boost economy

Posted on by admin50

 

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rolled out a game-changing initiative, with the investment of over N720 billion in the acquisition and deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute refined petroleum products nationwide.

The move, which takes effect from 15 August, is projected to save Nigerian consumers over N1.7 trillion annually, slash fuel distribution costs, and boost economic productivity across sectors.

According to a statement from the company, the initiative will see the Dangote Refinery absorb over N1.07 trillion yearly in logistics expenses that fuel marketers currently pass on to consumers. The deployment of the trucks, supported by a network of CNG refuelling stations nationwide, aims to remove one of the major cost drivers incure in the fuel pricing mechanism.

‘With average transport costs at N45 per litre, this free distribution model will not only crash operational costs for marketers but also bring relief to the end-users’, the statement said.

The refinery, located in Lekki Free Zone, Lagos, is targeting the daily delivery of 65 million litres of refined products, including 45 million litres of petrol (PMS), 15 million litres of diesel, and 5 million litres of aviation fuel to filling stations, industries, and large-scale consumers across the country.

Beyond fuel supply efficiency, the initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth and enhance profitability for over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who rely heavily on energy to power their operations.

With the removal of distribution bottlenecks, the project is expected to lead to a reduction in pump prices, lower production costs across industries, and help tame Nigeria’s persistent inflation, largely driven by energy and transport-related expenses.

The company further revealed that over 15,000 direct jobs will be created across the logistics chain, including drivers, station managers, and personnel for the CNG stations being built to support the fleet.

Dangote Group said the investment also aligns with its commitment to environmental sustainability, clean energy adoption, and the economic diversification goals of the Federal Government.

‘This initiative promotes energy efficiency, reduces Nigeria’s carbon footprint, and supports rural development by revitalising dormant filling stations and improving fuel access in underserved areas’, the statement added.

The direct delivery system is also seen as a strategic move to curb cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, as the company will closely monitor distribution from the refinery to final destinations.

The Presidency has hailed the initiative as a major boost to its CNG transition programme under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

The Commercial Coordinator of PCNGI, Tosin Coker described the project as a ‘watershed moment’ in Nigeria’s journey toward a gas-fuelled economy.

‘The scale and speed of this intervention signal that CNG is not a futuristic option but a viable solution for today’s energy, logistics, and climate challenges’, Coker stated.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), also expressed strong support for the development. Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, said Dangote’s intervention was a timely response to infrastructure failures that have plagued the downstream sector.

‘Our pipelines have been out of service for years. Marketers have relied on costly transport from coastal depots. Dangote’s action reduces this burden and will ensure more stable, affordable supply across the country’, Ukadike said.

Renowned economist Prof. Ken Ife said the project would drive down petrol prices and promote inclusivity in energy access. He noted that the initiative would especially benefit MSMEs by reducing their operating costs and increasing competitiveness.

The CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane dismissed concerns about monopoly, stressing that Dangote was simply filling a longstanding gap in the market.

‘Inefficiencies in the system have allowed middlemen to extract value without investment. Dangote’s model cuts out this layer by taking control of the supply chain and even offering credit facilities to retailers’, Rewane noted.

Energy analyst Ibukun Phillips described the project as ‘revolutionary’, pointing out that rural communities—often neglected in fuel distribution—would now enjoy improved affordability and availability.

‘Fuel is typically more expensive in rural areas despite lower incomes. This move can correct that imbalance and stimulate local economic activities’, she said.

Co-founder of Dairy Hills, Kelvin Emmanuel added that this is the most practical demonstration of the benefits of local refining since the end of fuel subsidies.

‘This will finally allow Nigerians to feel the impact of domestic refining—cheaper fuel, better access, and cleaner energy options’, he said.

Smile Nigeria: Connecting Nigerians to What Truly Matters

Posted on by admin50

 

In a time where staying connected has never been more important, Smile Nigeria is on a mission to do more than just provide superfast internet. We’re here to connect Nigerians to what truly matters — loved ones, opportunities, and the joy of everyday life.

From students attending virtual classes to entrepreneurs running online businesses from their living rooms, Smile has quietly powered the dreams and daily lives of many. But now, we want everyone to know: with Smile, you’re not just getting reliable 4G LTE internet — you’re becoming part of a community that believes in progress, positivity, and people.

“Smile is more than a network. It’s a promise to deliver seamless connectivity with heart,” said ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “We know Nigerians are resilient, ambitious, and family-oriented — and we’ve designed our services to support that spirit.”

With flexible data plans, affordable voice options, and top-notch customer care, Smile is breaking down digital barriers, helping small businesses grow, keeping families connected across distances, and supporting the hustle that makes Nigeria shine.

Some of the reasons why Nigerians choose Smile are, Fast, stable 4G LTE network coverage in major cities and growing, several bundles options, including options for students and SMEs, as well as a dedicated customer support team, that is trained to listen, solve, and smile — just like our name says.

As part of our commitment to giving back, Smile is also investing in digital literacy programs and supporting local communities through partnerships that uplift and empower.
So whether you’re chasing a dream, running a side hustle, or just FaceTiming your family or Bae, Smile is here to make it smoother, faster, and more joyful.

So, Let’s connect — and grow — together. Let’s Smile.

Dangote Resigns as Dangote Sugar Chairman After 20 Years

Posted on by admin50

 

 

Marking the end of a 20-year tenure, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc.

 

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, Aliko Dangote’s retirement will take effect on June 16, 2025.

 

Dangote, who has chaired the board since 2005, is widely recognized for transforming Dangote Sugar into a leading player in Nigeria’s sugar industry. Under his leadership, the company undertook major expansion projects and implemented significant improvements in corporate governance.

 

“In adherence to the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025,” the statement read.

 

During his leadership, the company initiated major Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States—strategic efforts aimed at enhancing local sugar production and reducing dependence on imports.

 

Following Aliko Dangote’s departure, the Board has appointed Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director, as the incoming Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025.

 

“After a thorough selection and transition process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc,” the statement added.

Indian National, Dangote Workers Docked For Allegedly Diverting Over N4bn Diesel

Posted on by admin50
    An India citizen, Tukur Shamsudden was among 13 individuals arraigned by the operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged conspiracy and diverting Automated Gasoline Oil, popularly called diesel value over N4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited. Others arraigned alongside the Indian man, before the court presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu were: Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi: Chigozie Chrisogonus Osukwu; Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma; Umeh Johnpaul Ugochukwu; Akamadu Emmanuella, a woman; Zango Mohammed Umar; Emmanuel Oku; Shaibu Michael; Lucky Otoide; Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu; Ephraim Kanakapudi and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel. The defendants, who includes staff of Dangote Industries Limited, and some officials of transport companies contracted for transporting Diesel from Dangote Deport to Ibese and Obajana Plants, were arraigned of a 16 count-charge of conspiracy, unlawful diversion of petroleum product (AGO) and receiving proceed of fraudulent division. Those listed as staff of Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited among the defendants are: Akamadu Emmanuella (f); Emmanuel Oku; Zango Mohammed Umar; Lucky Otoide Simon and Ephraim Kanakapudi. While others were said to be staff of Arigen Integrated Limited; Obat Limited; Amaiden Energy Limited; Regal Gate Limited; Alkham Limited; Prestige Limited and Opetrus Global Limited. The prosecuting police officer, Barrister M. Y. Bello, informed the court that all the defendants committed the offences between January, 2022 and December 2023. The prosecutor particularly informed the court that the India man, Tukur Shamsudden, while acting as representative of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited and Prestige Limited, the firms contracted by Dangote Industries Limited, allegedly diverted 1, 530, 893 billion liters of AGO valued N1, 530, 893 billion. He also told the court that Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel, on or before December 20, 2023, while acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a firm contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farm with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did fraudulently diverted 2, 455, 229 billion liters of AGO valued N2, 455, 229 billion. He further told the court that the defendants’ act contravened sections 21(a), 18(2) (d) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act. He also told the court that their acts contravened sections 383 (2)(a); 10 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 and 516of the same Act. All the defendants denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, some of the defendants have been admitted to bail on various terms, when they were earlier arraigned before the court. But at the resuming hearing of the matter today, the prosecutor informed the court of another amended charge against the defendants. He told the court that the amended charge was sequel to arrest of the Indian man and the duo of Ephraim Kanakapudi and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel. Hence, all the defendants were arraigned on the amended charge However, the judge has fixed July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial of all defendants. Count one of the charge reads: that you Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi ‘M’, Chigozie Chrisogo Osukwu ‘M’, Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma ‘M’, Umeh Johnp Ugochukwu ‘M’, Akamadu Emmanuella ‘F’, Zango Mohammed Umar ‘M’, Emmanuel Oku ‘M’, Shaibu Michael ‘M’, Lucky Otoide ‘M’, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi ‘M? Tukur Shamsudden ‘‘M’ Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel ‘M’ and Others at Large sometimes in 2022, did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit: Fraudulently receiving money from Dangote Transporters contracted to haul Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Dangote Deport to Ibese and Obajana Plants, which you ought to know formed part of proceeds of crime thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) of Money Laundering ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act. Another count reads: “That you Tukur Shamsudden ‘M’ on or before 20th December 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while in employment or acting as representative of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd and Prestige Ltd, Companies contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farms with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did Fraudulently diverted 1, 530, 893 liters of AGO valued N1, 530, 893, 000. 00 (One Billion Five Hundred and Thirty Million Eight Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand Naira) property of Dangote Industries Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 of the same Act. Another count reads; “That you Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel ‘M’ on or before 20th December 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, Company contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farm with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did Fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 liters of AGO valued N2, 455, 229, 000.00 (Two Billion Four Hundred and Fifty Five Million Two Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand Naira) property of Dangote Industries Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 of the same Act.”