Popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing of ₦36 million.
Courtroom drama unfolded when her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, revealed that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and was seeking time to settle the remaining balance.
The lawyer said, “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.”
But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, immediately opposed the move, insisting that the matter was now beyond private settlement.
“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 said.
Justice Dipeolu also ruled that any private arrangement between the parties would not stop the criminal proceedings before the court.
“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.
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained ₦36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of arranging a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The commission alleged that the claim was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
She was also accused of fraudulently converting the money for personal use.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial, while her lawyer requested that she be kept in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
