The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
During the proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
According to the defence, the nominal complainant had indicated willingness to encourage the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the case and maintained that the arraignment should proceed as scheduled.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any discussion between the defendant and the petitioner would not affect the ongoing criminal proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the money for personal use.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, informed the court that the charges were only served on the defendant on May 14 and that efforts were underway to file a formal bail application. Counsel subsequently requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant remain in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
