The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that part of the disputed funds had already been refunded to the petitioner.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he said.
Responding, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the prosecution was not involved in any settlement discussions between the defendant and the complainant.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he stated.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that ongoing discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not prevent the court proceedings from continuing.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between 14 July 2024 and 17 July 2024 under the false representation that she was leasing out a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The charge stated that the alleged act contravened Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
A second charge accused the defendant of fraudulently converting the N36 million to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read in court, Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty.”
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
However, defence counsel informed the court that the defendant had only been served with the charges on Thursday, 14 May 2026, and that efforts were underway to file a formal bail application.
The defence subsequently requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
