The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.
Blessing CEO was brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged conversion of funds.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P. I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded ₦24 million to the nominal complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
According to the defence, discussions were ongoing between the defendant and the complainant, with hopes that the matter could be resolved amicably if the remaining balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel Suleiman I. Suleiman maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the EFCC, remained the complainant in the matter and insisted that the arraignment proceed as scheduled.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that any private discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not halt court proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the money for personal use.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against her.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial. The defence, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody while efforts to perfect her bail application continued.
Justice Dipeolu subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
