The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud case before a Federal High Court in Lagos.Geographic Reference
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 stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
Blessing CEO
One of the charges reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira) from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, which representation you knew to be false.”
During 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 settle the outstanding balance.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer told the court.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman insisted that the arraignment should proceed, stressing that the complainant in the matter was the Federal Government of Nigeria and not the petitioner.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.
Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant pending trial. The defence, however, asked that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
