The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought popular social media personality and self-styled relationship coach, Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of fraud involving ₦36 million.
Blessing CEO, legally known as Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. She is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and theft.
EFCC’s Allegations
According to the anti-graft agency, the influencer allegedly received ₦36 million from a complainant, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between July 14 and 17, 2024. The money was reportedly paid under the claim that it was meant to secure a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC maintains that the representation was false and contravenes provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act relating to fraudulent conversion.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that part of the disputed funds had already been returned.
He told the court that ₦24 million had been refunded to the nominal complainant and requested an adjournment to allow time for settlement of the outstanding balance, noting that the complainant was open to resolving the matter if full repayment were made.
However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, objected strongly, insisting that the EFCC represents the federal government and that the matter could not be resolved through private negotiations.
He argued that the case must proceed, urging the court to take the defendant’s plea.
Court’s Position on Settlement Attempts
Justice D.I. Dipeolu ruled that while the defendant is free to engage in settlement discussions with the complainant, such negotiations do not terminate or affect criminal proceedings already instituted by the state.
The court maintained that the accused must enter her plea and face trial accordingly.
Not Guilty Plea and Bail Request
Following the reading of the charges, the Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.
Her legal team requested that she be granted time to file a bail application, noting that they had only just been served with the charges. The defence also asked that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
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Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The matter continues to draw public attention, given the influencer’s high-profile presence on social media and the growing scrutiny around online financial dealings and real estate transactions in Lagos.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.