Rita Odafe
Fake Fertility Nurse Charged with Fraud
Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, a fraudulent fertility nurse, has been charged by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for deceiving more than 45 women by pretending to assist them in conceiving.
Her arraignment took place before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar at the Federal High Court located in Enugu State.
She faces 45 counts of charges that include fraudulent impersonation, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretenses, summing up to approximately N28 million.
The investigation into David-Agwa’s actions began on August 28, 2024, when the NDLEA transferred her to the EFCC for probing and potential legal action, after uncovering her false identity as a medical fertility nurse.
Evidence suggests that she forged nursing and midwifery certificates, allowing her to misrepresent herself as a qualified nurse capable of assisting women in becoming pregnant. This deceit led to the financial exploitation of over 45 women who trusted her claims.
For instance, in Charge 41 it states: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1, 600, 000) from one Okenwa Joy Chiamaka, under the pretense of being a Medical Fertility Nurse, knowing this to be false, thus committing an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
Additionally, Charge 24 mentions: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, with the intent to defraud, obtained One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1, 250, 000) from Amarachi Okpala, while knowing the claims of being a Medical Fertility Nurse were false, leading to an offence under the same Act.”
David-Agwa has pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against her. Following her plea, the EFCC’s counsel, Blessing N. Obasi, requested a trial date and asked for her remand at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.
In response, her defense lawyer, G. C. Madubuegwu, mentioned a pending bail application dated October 4, 2024. He argued that it was filed according to the stipulated criminal justice regulations.
He requested that the court grant bail on reasonable terms. However, Obasi opposed this motion, emphasizing the serious nature of the accusations and the psychological impact on the victims involved.
Justice Umar concluded the hearing by scheduling the next session for November 12, 2024, to decide on the bail request, while David-Agwa was ordered to remain at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.
