By Joy Yesufu
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency told the court that the representation was false and constituted an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The Commission also accused the influencer of fraudulently converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
During the proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow parties resolve the outstanding balance.
“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,” the lawyer said.
However, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government, and not the nominal complainant, was the actual complainant in the criminal matter.
“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,” Suleiman argued.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that any settlement discussion between the defendant and the petitioner would not affect 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.
Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution applied for her remand in a correctional facility pending trial. However, her counsel informed the court that the defence had only been served with the charges on Thursday and was still preparing a bail application.
The defence thereafter requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
