Cecilia Agu, an online influencer based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory was on Tuesday taken before a Federal High Court in Lagos state over allegations of fraud.

The 40-year-old defendant according to court documents is facing a five-count charge on forgery, fraud, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

Samuel Eradia, prosecutor from the police, informed the court that Agu and her accomplices who are currently on the run committed the offence on the 20th of February 2023, in the Lekki Phase 1 area of the state.

He further explained that they fraudulently collected the sum of N275 million from one Babatunde Oyebode by sending a private electronic message to him that she can help him verify, validate and legitimate his social media page-Instagram to be precise. She also said she can handle the same job for other celebrities and she did not keep to her words after she received payment.

Agu however pleaded not guilty to all the charges she is being accused of and Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered that she be taken to a correctional centre.

Nevertheless, Agu’s lawyer pleaded with the court that she be granted bail, of which Justic Osiagor granted in the sum of 10m with two sureties in like sum. He also gave other conditions which has to be met before the bail can be effected.

A trial date of October 18 was then set.