Kwara Court Remands Three Indian Nationals Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust Amid Concerns Over Foreign Employees in Nigerian Companies

Ilorin, Kwara State. In a case that has captured the attention of business and legal circles across Nigeria, Justice Sulaiman Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday remanded three Indian nationals and a local employee in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial over allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.

The defendants, Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra, and Gagan Sarswat, along with Oniyide Samuel, an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, are accused of conspiring to misappropriate company assets while employed at KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, a prominent steel manufacturing and distribution firm in Ilorin. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the accused on two counts bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, contrary to Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code.

The EFCC alleges that between November 2024 and September 2025, the defendants, who were entrusted with the company’s steel rebars and other properties, deliberately engaged in activities intended to divert or unlawfully appropriate these assets for personal gain. Count one of the charge sheet outlines that the accused agreed among themselves to commit the unlawful act of criminal breach of trust during their employment. Count two specifies that, in their capacity as employees, they misappropriated property that was legally entrusted to them, thereby committing a punishable offence under Nigerian law.

During the court proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following their pleas, EFCC counsel Cosmas Ugwu applied for their remand, arguing that three of the defendants are foreign nationals and may attempt to flee the country, potentially compromising the investigation and prosecution. Ugwu further requested the court to grant an accelerated hearing to ensure the matter proceeds without undue delay, highlighting the severity of the alleged offences and the need to maintain public confidence in corporate governance and legal enforcement.

The defence, represented by Ademuyiwa Abe, S. J. Ochai, and D. M. Ayuba, filed applications for bail, asserting that the offences charged are technically bailable under Nigerian law. They argued that the defendants have strong ties to the country and the community and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and the court. However, the EFCC countered this, emphasizing that the combination of foreign nationality, potential flight risk, and the significant value of the assets involved justified keeping the accused in detention.

Justice Akanbi, after considering arguments from both sides, adjourned the matter to Friday, December 19, 2025, for a ruling on the bail applications. In the meantime, he ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure their availability for trial and to prevent any interference with ongoing investigations.

This case has sparked broader discussions among corporate and legal experts in Nigeria regarding the employment of foreign nationals in key operational roles in local companies, particularly those dealing with high-value assets such as steel and construction materials. Analysts note that while foreign expertise can enhance operations, it also presents unique challenges in terms of accountability, regulatory oversight, and risk management.

According to EFCC sources, the commission has intensified its monitoring of similar corporate environments across Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria to prevent misappropriation of assets, ensure compliance with labour laws, and protect shareholder and investor interests. The agency has stressed that all employees, regardless of nationality, are subject to the laws of Nigeria and must operate within the confines of ethical and legal business conduct.

Furthermore, this case highlights the growing importance of corporate governance and internal controls within Nigerian companies. Experts argue that companies must invest in robust monitoring systems, conduct thorough background checks, and implement clear policies to prevent the diversion of assets by employees. Failure to do so, they warn, can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences, as exemplified in this ongoing case.

KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, although not officially commenting on the matter, is reportedly cooperating fully with investigators, providing records, surveillance footage, and other relevant documents to aid the EFCC in its inquiry. Stakeholders in the local business community are closely watching the proceedings, noting that the outcome could set a precedent for how corporate fraud cases involving foreign nationals are handled in Nigeria.

As of now, the legal team and EFCC are preparing for an intense trial, with the court expected to rule on the bail applications imminently. The case continues to underscore the Nigerian judiciary’s role in enforcing laws against economic crimes and maintaining public trust in the corporate sector.

This high-profile case raises pressing questions about corporate responsibility, employee vetting, and regulatory oversight. It also serves as a reminder to companies operating in Nigeria, especially those employing foreign nationals, that strict adherence to legal and ethical standards is non-negotiable.

The outcome of this case, expected to unfold over the coming weeks, could have far-reaching implications for both the business and legal landscape in Nigeria, particularly in how corporate fraud and breach of trust cases are prosecuted and adjudicated.