The social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist pleaded not guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a controversial social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
She appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 15, 2026, facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
Partial Refund Made, Defence Tells Court
At the proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million of the N36 million to the petitioner.
“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,” Nwafor said.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman countered: “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.”
Court Orders Arraignment to Proceed
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant could continue even while the charge is pending, adding: “It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea.”
One of the counts alleges that between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos – a representation she knew to be false. This offence is contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second count accuses her of fraudulently converting the same sum, property of Mrs Okoye, an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Not Guilty Plea and Remand
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges. Prosecution counsel applied for a trial date and requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility.
Defence counsel, noting that his client was served with the charge only on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and that a bail application was being prepared, prayed for her to be remanded in EFCC custody instead.
Justice Dipeolu granted the defence’s request, ordering that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody. The matter has been adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.