Popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her arraignment before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.
Blessing CEO, 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.
She is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing involving the sum of ₦36 million.
According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly collected the money from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024, under the claim that she could secure a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, for lease.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation made to the complainant was false and intended to deceive her into parting with the money.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded ₦24 million out of the ₦36 million allegedly involved in the matter.
The lawyer appealed for a short adjournment to enable the parties settle the outstanding balance, adding that the complainant had allegedly agreed to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the case if full repayment was made.
However, counsel to the EFCC, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the matter was a criminal case involving the Federal Government and not a private dispute that could simply be settled outside court.
“We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” the prosecutor told the court.
Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution, ruling that any private arrangement between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the criminal proceedings before the court.
Following the ruling, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her.
Her lawyer subsequently requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions, a request the court granted.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
