Popular social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N36 million fraud case involving a property transaction in Lekki.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC before Justice D.I. Dipeolu sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on allegations bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and unlawful conversion of funds.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO allegedly collected N36 million from a petitioner, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between July 14 and July 17, 2024, after allegedly presenting herself as capable of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The EFCC maintained that the representation made by the defendant was false and misleading, adding that the transaction violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. The commission also accused her of allegedly diverting the money for personal use, an action it said contravened the Criminal Code Act.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that efforts were already being made to settle the matter outside litigation. He explained that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and appealed for a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance amicably.
The lawyer further explained that discussions between the defendant and the petitioner were progressing positively and suggested that once the remaining amount was paid, the petitioner might persuade the EFCC to discontinue the case.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman firmly opposed the request, insisting that the matter before the court was a criminal case involving the Federal Government and not merely a private dispute between individuals.
The prosecutor stressed that regardless of any private arrangement or repayment discussion taking place between the parties, the EFCC remained focused on prosecuting the alleged offences. He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and ensure the defendant entered her plea without delay.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution, stating that any reconciliation or repayment arrangement between the defendant and the complainant could continue independently without interfering with the criminal proceedings already before the court.
The judge clarified that criminal prosecution cannot automatically be halted simply because parties are negotiating settlement terms, especially when allegations of fraud are involved.
Following the ruling, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge brought against her by the EFCC.
After her plea was entered, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
Her lawyer, however, appealed to the court for leniency, explaining that the defence team had only just received the charges and was still preparing the formal bail application. He subsequently requested that the defendant be temporarily remanded in EFCC custody instead of being sent to prison custody while efforts to perfect bail conditions continue.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case was subsequently adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment has continued to generate reactions online due to Blessing CEO’s popularity on social media, where she is widely known for relationship advice, lifestyle commentary, and controversial public statements.
