LThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
Court proceedings
During proceedings, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million out of the alleged N36 million involved in the case.
“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.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, told the court that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and insisted that the arraignment should proceed.
“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.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant would not stop the court proceedings and directed the defendant to take her plea.
Charges
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the money for personal use.
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
Defence counsel, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions, noting that the charges were only served on Thursday.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
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