Sex Therapist Arraigned for Alleged N275m Internet Scam

Wale Igbintade

The Nigeria Police yesterday arraigned a 40- year old Abuja-based sex therapist Cecilia Agu before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged N275 million internet scam.

The defendant is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, fraud, and obtaining by false pretence.

The police prosecutor, Samuel Eredia told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the alleged offence on February 20, 2023.

He said that the incident took place at No. 28B, Babatunde Ajose Street, Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.

Eredia said that Agu defrauded one Babatunde Oyebode of the sum of N275 million  by sending an electronic message and misrepresenting herself that she will help him to verify, validate and authenticate his Instagram page with celebrities, which she failed to do.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed contravened Sections 27 (a) and (b),13 and 14 (1), (2) and (3) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention) Acts, 2015, and Sections 1(a) (b) (2) and section 11 (1) and (2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Acts 2006.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.

Following her plea of not guilty, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in Correctional Centre.

But the defendant’s counsel, Elvis Asia told the court that he would be praying the court for bail.

He said he was not aware that the Defendant was going to be arraigned yesterday, as he only got the information on Tuesday morning.

Asia stated that the defendant had been in detention for over a month and Justice Abimbola Awogboro had earlier ordered her release following a fundamental human rights application filed before the court.

He said: ” She was arrested on May 5, and after Justice Awogboro granted her bail, they have refused to release her, she is a mother of four.”

In his ruling, Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties in like sum.

He said one of the sureties must be gainfully employed and produced an identity card, national identification number.

The judge also ordered the defendant to deposit her international passport before the court and three recent passport photographs.

The court held that the other surety must have a landed property produced an Identity card, National identification number.

The judge consequently remanded the defendant in the Correctional Centre pending when she is able to perfect her bail conditions.

The case was then adjourned till October 18, for trial.