Social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC arraigned the influencer before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 15, 2026.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing involving N36 million.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance.
Nwafor told the court that discussions were ongoing with the nominal complainant and suggested that the matter could be withdrawn if the remaining balance was settled.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the case and that the arraignment should proceed.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that private discussions between the defendant and the petitioner would not stop the court proceedings, directing the defendant to take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendant knowingly made false representations regarding the property transaction.
Another count accused her of fraudulently converting the said N36 million for personal use, an offence said to contravene provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read before the court, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence counsel, however, informed the court that the defendant had only been served with the charge a day earlier and was still preparing her bail application. He subsequently requested that she remain 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 case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
