The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned social media personality and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.
The influencer was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and fraudulent conversion of funds.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the remaining balance.
According to him, discussions were ongoing and the petitioner had indicated willingness to withdraw support for the case if the outstanding amount was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the EFCC was not involved in any settlement arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner, stressing that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the matter.
The prosecution insisted that the defendant should first take her plea before any further discussions.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu stated that any private settlement discussion between the parties would not stop the legal proceedings, directing that the charges be read to the defendant.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
Another count accused her of fraudulently converting the money for personal use.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
Her lawyer, however, told the court that the defence had only recently received the charge and was still preparing a bail application. He therefore requested that she remain in EFCC custody while efforts to perfect bail conditions continued.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
