By Abdulwahab Abdulah

An Ikeja High Court yesterday directed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, to keep under watch, the Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, Mrs. Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, who fainted in court last Friday after being found guilty of a N754million oil subsidy case.

Justice Lateefa Okunu gave the directive when Ugo-Ngadi, who is said to be under intensive medical care at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) absented from court for her sentencing.

Okunnu also directed the Medical Directors of Havana Hospital, Surulere, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), to swear to an affidavit of means, clearly stating the convict’s health status.

The judge had fixed Monday as the day to pass sentence on Ontario Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, its Chairman, Walter Wagbatsoma and its Managing Director, Ugo-Ndagi having convicted them of the 8-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

At yesterday’s proceedings, prior to the ruling of the judge, Ugo-Ndagi’s lawyer, Y.A Kadiri had explained to the court why his client was absent for her sentencing as earlier scheduled.

“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 treatment”,  Kadiri said.

Kadiri thereafter 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.

Responding, EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) told the court that he believe the convict’s health is stable.

“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.

Jacobs urged the court to proceed with the sentence in the absence of the woman.

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.

“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 held.

The matter has been adjourned till Wednesday for possible sentencing.