Court orders police to keep close watch on convicted Ontario Oil and Gas MD

The absence of  Ontario Oil and Gas MD, Adaoha Ugo-Ndagi, who collapsed on Friday when she was convicted of  a N744 million fuel subsidy scam again stalled her scheduled sentencing again on Monday as Justice Lateefa Okunnu of  a Lagos High Court, ordered that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police should keep the convict under watch pending when she would be transferred to prison.

The judge also ordered the Medcal Directors of Havana Hospital, Surulere and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), to both swear to an affidavit of means, clearly stating her health status.

Recalled that Ndagi, oil mogul, Walter Wagbasoma and their company, Ontario oil and Gas were convicted by the court for their roles in a N744m subsidy fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

At the resume of the proceedings yesterday, Counsel to Ndagi, Y.A Kadiri explained to the court the reason for his client’s absence even though the court had already slated Monday for the convicts  sentencing.

“When she collapsed on Friday she was rushed to Havana Hospital where she was placed on life support and oxygen. The prison official were with her throughout Friday and on Saturday she was referred to LUTH where she is currently receiving treatmemt,” Kadiri told the court.

Kadiri also presented a copy of the medical report from Havana Hospital while also informing the court that they were also trying to get the medical report from LUTH.
In his reaction, EFCC prosecutor,  Rotimi Jacobs, the medical report, reminded the court of the antecedence of the matter, adding that the first convict, Wagbasoma had told the court that he was incarceration at the National Hospital Abuja when it was uncovered that he was at Germany, despite the fact that his internationals passport was with the Chief Registrar.

“We are aware that the convict was at Havana where the prison officials and some EFCC operatives kept watch over her. The prison officials were however not comfortable with the private hospital and she was transferred to LUTH on request,” Jacobs told the court.

“As at on Friday, Ndagi was in stable condition and doing very well, while asking the court to pronounce sentencing in the absence of the convicts”. Jacob said.

In her ruling, Justice Okunnu noted that there seems to be a lacuna in the law as to the sentencing of the convicts in absentia. She however reserved the sentencing and ordered that the Commissioner of police to keep Ndagi under watch.

“The medical report presented by the second convict must be accompanied by an affidavit which must be filed today. The medical Director must also swear to an affidavit stating her exact medical condition,” she ruled.

Justice Okunnu however adjourned the matter till 18 Jan.for sentencing.