Benjamin Nnayerugo – popularly called Killaboi – told the [Lagos State High Court](https://lagosstatejudiciary.gov.ng/) on 22 October 2026 that he had uncovered Instagram messages indicating his late girlfriend, Augusta Onuwasghagbe, was negotiating a paid sexual encounter worth N1.5 million. The testimony, given in his defence before Justice Ibironke Harrison, formed the basis of his claim that the discovery triggered an emotional breakdown and a fatal confrontation.
Key details from the hearing include: the alleged messages were first seen in late June 2023 after Nnayerugo lost money on a sports bet; the payment figure discussed was N1.5 million; he offered N800,000 and later N1 million before agreeing to the full amount; and he asserted that Augusta threatened him with a steak‑knife before he unintentionally stabbed her. The defence counsel, Marcel Oru, asked that a video recording be shown only to legal representatives to spare Augusta’s mother and brother further trauma.
**What did the defendant claim about the Instagram messages?**
Nnayerugo said he accessed Augusta’s Instagram account – the platform known as [Instagram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instagram) – after she left for school and monitored her chats for about a week. He reported seeing frequent exchanges with unknown accounts, including one identified as “Yako”, who addressed Augusta as “sweetheart” and suggested moving their conversation from Snapchat to Instagram.
**How did the alleged negotiation progress?**
According to Nnayerugo, “Yako” asked when Augusta would travel to Lagos; she replied she could come whenever he wanted. The conversation then shifted to money, with Augusta allegedly insisting on N1.5 million and refusing lower offers. Nnayerugo claimed he created a virtual SIM and a WhatsApp profile mimicking “Yako” to continue the dialogue, eventually confirming the price and discussing meeting locations – either a hotel or an apartment – provided he supplied the address.
**Why did the defendant confront Augusta?**
Nnayerugo said he intended to end the relationship after learning of the alleged arrangement. He initiated a video call, during which Augusta allegedly screamed, dropped the phone, and he told her he knew about the messages and was breaking up with her. He also threatened to inform her mother, with whom he claimed a close, supportive relationship existed.
**What transpired after the confrontation?**
The testimony continued with Nnayerugo stating that Augusta’s mother, after being told of the breakup, reprimanded him for accessing her daughter’s account, labeling it a criminal act. The defendant said he became upset but clarified his call was to announce the breakup, not to discuss the account breach. He later alleged that Augusta brandished a steak‑knife, and in the struggle he accidentally stabbed her, applying a towel to the wound and urging her not to die.
**What was the court’s next step?**
After cross‑examination and defence arguments, Justice Harrison adjourned the murder trial until 7‑8 December 2026 for further hearings.
The defence also sought to limit the emotional impact on Augusta’s family by requesting that only counsel be present when a video recording was played, a request the prosecution did not oppose.