The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Nkiruka was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the nominal complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
Nwafor told the court that discussions were ongoing and noted that the complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the case and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
Delivering a brief ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that parties were free to explore settlement discussions while the matter remained before the court, adding that such negotiations would not halt the judicial process.
The defendant subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, informed the court that the charge was only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody pending the filing and hearing of her bail application.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Nkiruka be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
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