The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on Friday arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N36 million from one 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 State.
During proceedings, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
He told the court that discussions were ongoing between the defendant and the nominal complainant, adding that the complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the balance was paid.
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 matter before the court was strictly for arraignment and plea.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any settlement discussion between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the court proceedings, directing that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained N36 million between July 14 and 17, 2024, through false representation regarding the lease of the Lekki property.
Another charge accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum, belonging to Mrs. Okoye, to personal use.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before the court.
Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
Defence counsel, however, informed the court that the charges were only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were being made to file her bail application.
He subsequently appealed to 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.
