Therapist arraigned over N275m fraud in Abuja

In connection with an alleged N275 million online fraud, 40-year-old Abuja-based sex therapist Cecilia Agu was on Tuesday charged by the police before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State.

A five-count accusation against the defendant includes conspiracy, forgery, fraud, and acquiring money under false pretence.

The defendant and other people still at large committed the crime on February 20, 2023, in the Lekki Phase 1 neighbourhood of Lagos State, according to police prosecutor Samuel Eredia, who testified in court.

Eredia said that Agu cheated one Babatunde Oyebode of N275m by sending an electronic message and falsely represented herself to be able to assist him in validating, authenticating, and verifying his Instagram profile with celebrities and other of his clients—something she did not.

But the accused denied the accusation levelled against her.

The prosecutor requested that the court remand the defendant to a jail facility after the defendant entered a plea of not guilty.

However, Elvis Asia, the defendant's attorney, informed the court that he would be pleading with the court for bail.

As a result, among other requirements, Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the defendant bail in the amount of N10m with two sureties in the same amount.

As a result, the judge ordered the defendant to remain in custody until she can fulfil her bail requirements.

The trial in the case was postponed until October 18.

Source