The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as “Blessing CEO,” over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO appeared on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024. The money was purportedly for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos. The Commission maintains that the representation was false, constituting an offense under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
During the proceedings, defense counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million of the N36 million to the petitioner.
“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,” Nwafor told the court.
However, the prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, countered the application, arguing that the EFCC was not a party to any private settlement. “The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Suleiman insisted.
Justice Dipeolu ruled in favor of the prosecution, stating that private discussions do not supersede criminal proceedings. “The defense and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge, but it does not affect the proceedings before the court,” the judge held.
Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to both charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility. However, the defense counsel—noting that they were only served the charges on Thursday—requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the defense’s request and ordered that the influencer be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
