Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, Walter Wagbatsoma, has been extradited to the United Kingdom from Germany to face money laundering charges.
According to a UK-based newspaper, Lincolnshire Echo, Wagbatsoma, 46, accused of involvement in a multi-million-pound fraud, appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He was detained last month in Germany after Lincolnshire Police issued a European Arrest Warrant.
The Economic Crime Unit of Lincolnshire Police said it had been conducting a major investigation with the National Health Service involving offences of fraud and money laundering in excess of £12m.
The investigation against Wagbatsoma commenced in September 2011 following a report of fraud involving Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
A statement by the Lincolnshire security agency reads in part: “Since such time the investigation has linked 20 other offences where the victims include other NHS 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 statement said.
Wagbatsoma has been remanded in custody and may appear before Lincoln Crown Court in August.
Back in Nigeria, Wagbatsoma, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over N1.9 billion fuel subsidy fraud charge levelled against him.
Wagbatsoma, alongside Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Babafemi Fakuade and Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd are facing a nine-count charge.
The case is before an Ikeja High Court.
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