Lagos businessman remanded for allegedly diverting N11m diesel sales

By Paul Iyoghojie

A Lagos-based businessman, John Ibe Nnadozie, has been remanded in prison custody following his arraignment at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court over an alleged N11 million diesel fraud.

According to police authorities, Nnadozie allegedly obtained 9,167,000 litres of diesel valued at N11 million from Ajayi Segun, manager of Obededom Oil and Gas Limited, under the pretext that he would sell the product, earn a profit, and remit the proceeds to the company.

However, the defendant was said to have sold the diesel and diverted the full amount to his personal use before going into hiding.

The matter came to light after the complainant petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, of Zone 2 Command, Lagos. Acting on the petition, operatives launched a manhunt and successfully arrested Nnadozie.

He was subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence, stealing, and giving false information.

Police Prosecutor ASP Jimoh Joseph, who presented the charge marked P/25/2025, told the court that the alleged offence occurred in March 2024 at 20, Oredayo Street, Agege, Lagos.

He stated that the offences contravene Sections 411, 314, 287, and 96(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Nnadozie, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Magistrate granted him bail and adjourned the case to a later date, while ordering that he be remanded in custody until the bail conditions are met.