RismadarVoice Reporters, May 15, 2026
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
At the commencement of proceedings before Justice D.I. Dipeolu, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant and was making efforts to settle the outstanding balance.
According to him, discussions were ongoing between the defendant and the nominal complainant to resolve the matter amicably.
“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 defence counsel told the court.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government of Nigeria was the complainant in the matter and that the case should proceed.
“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 said.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any private discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not stop the court proceedings and directed that the charges be read.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence counsel, however, informed the court that the charges were only served on the defendant a day earlier and requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the filing and perfection of her bail application.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant remain in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
