EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO over alleged N36m fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the influencer is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the charges are linked to an alleged N36 million fraud involving a property transaction in Lagos.

During proceedings, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner.

He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties resolve the outstanding balance.

“The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer 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.”

However, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the EFCC was not part of any private settlement arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner.

“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,” he said.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any private discussion between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the criminal proceedings.

“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.

According to one of the charges, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

The EFCC alleged that the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

She was also accused of fraudulently converting the money to personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.

Her counsel, however, told the court that the defence had only been served with the charges on Thursday and was still preparing a bail application.

He subsequently requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.