By Abimbola Ogunnaike
A Federal High Court, Lagos has ordered Ms Cecilia May Agu, Abuja-based sex therapist/educator to be remanded in prison over an alleged N275 million internet scam.
Cecilia, 40, was brought before the court presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor’s on Wednesday, 14 June, 2023 on 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 offence on February 20, 2023 at No. 28b, Babatunde Ajose Street, off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.
Eredia said that Cecilia 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 and other of his clients, which she did not do.
The prosecutor said the alleged 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, Agu pleaded not guilty to the charge against her. Following her plea of not guilty the prosecutor urged the court to remand Cecilia in a Correctional Centre. But the defendant’s counsel, Elvis E. Asia told the Court that he would be praying the court for bail.
Asia told the Court that he was not aware that his client was going to be arraigned Wednesday, 14 June, 2023, as he only got the information same morning.
Asia further stated that his client had been detained by the Police for more than a month, and that Justice Abimbola Awogboro had earlier ordered her release following a fundamental human rights application filed before the court, but the police disregard the order. He said Cecilia was arrested on May 5, and after Justice Awogboro granted her bail, the Police have refused to release the mother of four.
Consequently, 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 with the National Identification Number. The judge also ordered the defendant to deposit her international passport before the court and three recent passport photographs.
He held that the other surety must have a landed property produced an Identity card and National Identification Number.
The Judge consequently ordered the remanded of the defendant in the Correctional Centre, pending when she is able to perfect her bail conditions.
The case was adjourned till October 18, for trial.
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