The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship adviser, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.
Blessing, popularly known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft involving N36 million.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained the money from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos—a representation prosecutors said she knew to be false.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and appealed for a short adjournment to allow both parties to resolve the outstanding balance.
The defence told the court that the complainant had indicated willingness to intervene with the commission if the remaining balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the application, insisting that the commission was not a party to any private settlement arrangement.
He maintained that the complainant in the matter was the Federal Government of Nigeria and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and take the defendant’s plea.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any settlement discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant could continue independently without affecting the court 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.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained N36 million from the complainant over a purported property transaction in Lekki.
Another count accused her of unlawfully converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution urged the court to commence trial and remand the defendant in a correctional facility, while the defence requested that she remain in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail application.
Justice Dipeolu subsequently ordered that Blessing be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
