Yemi Obafemi
A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendant was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded part of the money to the petitioner.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” Nwafor said.
“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,” he added.
Responding, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, maintained that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the matter and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
“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 discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the criminal proceedings before the court.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO, between July 14 and 17, 2024, fraudulently obtained N36 million from Mrs. Okoye by falsely claiming she could secure the Lekki property for lease.
The second count accused her of fraudulently converting the sum to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
However, defence counsel told the court that the charge was only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were ongoing to file her bail application.
Nwafor subsequently urged the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
