The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned popular social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The influencer, widely known as Blessing CEO, was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the charges filed before the court, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N36 million from a petitioner, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between July 14 and July 17, 2024. The money was reportedly paid for the purported lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation made to the complainant was false and contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The commission also accused the defendant of dishonestly converting the said amount to personal use, an offence said to be contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
During proceedings, counsel to the defendant informed the court that efforts were already being made to settle the matter amicably. The defence disclosed that Blessing CEO had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance.
The defence further stated that discussions were ongoing with the nominal complainant and expressed optimism that the matter could be resolved outside the courtroom if the remaining balance was paid.
However, prosecuting counsel for the EFCC opposed the request, insisting that the matter before the court was a criminal case involving the Federal Government of Nigeria and not merely a private dispute between two parties.
The prosecution urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, stressing that any settlement discussion between the defendant and the petitioner would not halt criminal proceedings instituted by the government.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that while parties were free to engage in discussions outside the court, such moves would not stop the legal process already initiated before the court.
The judge subsequently directed the defendant to take her plea. Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.
Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
Counsel to the defendant, however, appealed to the court to allow her remain in EFCC custody temporarily, explaining that the defence had only recently been served with the charge sheet and was still in the process of preparing a formal bail application.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The matter was thereafter adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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