EFCC Arraigns ‘Blessing CEO’ Over Alleged N36m Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The defendant, popularly known as “Blessing CEO”, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on charges bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and fraudulent conversion of funds.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the money involved in the matter had already been refunded to the petitioner.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, told the court that the prosecution was not aware of any arrangement or discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant.
In his ruling on the issue, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the complainant could continue despite the ongoing 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.
According to one of the charges, the defendant allegedly obtained the sum of N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that the representation was false and constituted an offence under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another count accused the defendant of fraudulently converting the N36 million, said to belong to the complainant, for personal use, contrary to Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read before the court, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
Defence counsel, however, informed the court that the charge had only been served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that steps were already being taken to file a bail application.
He subsequently appealed to the court to allow the defendant to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu thereafter adjourned the matter until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
