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How Ontario Oil and Gas’ Wagbatsoma was arrested

This is not looking good for the image of Nigeria and Nigerians abroad, as Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited was arrested in Europe, and the news splashed afield.

Mr Walter Wagbatsoma was extradited to the United Kingdom from Germany after being accused of involvement in a multi-million pound fraud and will face money laundering charges.

A Lincoln Magistrates’ Court passed this judgment on Friday, July 1, after the release of a statement which reads in part: “Since such time the investigation has linked 20 other offences where the victims include other National Health Service Trusts, the States of Guernsey Government and other public bodies.

“In September 2015, as a result of this investigation, 15 suspects were charged with offences of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and conspiracy to money launder and all have since been indicted to stand trial.

“On Monday, June 6, 2016, a further suspect was detained in Germany following the issue of a European Arrest Warrant by Lincolnshire Police.”

The 46 years old business mogul was detained in Germany on Monday, June 6, 2016, after Lincolnshire Police issued a European Arrest Warrant. According to the Economic Crime Unit of Lincolnshire Police, a major investigation had been conducted with the National Health Service involving offences of fraud and money laundering in excess of £12m.

The investigation named Operation Tarlac, against Wagbatsoma, commenced in September 2011 following a report of fraud involving Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

On the home front, a case is before an Ikeja High Court after Wagbatsoma, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over N1.9 billion fuel subsidy fraud charge levelled against him. Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Babafemi Fakuade and Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd are facing a nine-count charge in related offence.

Seyifunmi Adebote for encomium.ng

 

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