The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned popular social media personality and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud..
She was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, allegedly received N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the claim that she would secure a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The commission said the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. She was also accused of converting the money to personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
During proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the money had already been refunded to the petitioner.
He said, “We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.
“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, argued that the commission was not involved in any settlement talks 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.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not stop 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.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. Her lawyer, however, told the court that the defence only received the charges on Thursday and was still preparing a bail application.
He subsequently asked that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.