Court denies bail to fake nurse in alleged N28.2m fertility scam
A Federal High Court in Enugu State has dismissed the bail application by Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, a purported phoney fertility nurse.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar denied her bail request and mandated an expedited hearing in her case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate is prosecuting Amaka David-Agwa on 45 counts that include impersonation, forgery, and obtaining money through false pretences totalling N28,278,600 (Twenty-eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand, Six Hundred Naira).
The defendant is accused of falsifying the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria certificates in order to pass herself off as a fertility nurse with specialised training in helping people become pregnant easily.
The defendant reportedly deceived 45 women who believed her phoney claims, according to investigations. In order to prepare for her trial, the defendant entered a not guilty plea when she was arraigned on October 22, 2024. But G. C. Madubuegwu, the defence attorney, filed a bail request, claiming it was “brought pursuant to Section 162 and 165 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.” He asked the judge to set generous bail conditions for his client.
Blessing N. Obasi, the EFCC’s attorney, opposed the application, reminding the court that the defendant was the subject of a serious accusation that had a negative impact on the victims’ mental health.
After that, the case was postponed until the bail application was decided.
The defence “did not place before the court sufficient materials to grant bail in favour of the defendant. By this action, the bail application is denied. I hereby grant an expedited hearing,” Justice Umar said in his verdict.
The trial has been adjourned till November 21.