Controversial social media influencer cum self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
Truthng reports that in a statement via the EFCC social media page, it was disclosed that Blessing was arraigned on Friday, May 15, 2026, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of ₦36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira).
One of the counts stated that the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos, which she knew to be false.
Another count alleged that she fraudulently converted the same sum to her personal use, an offence said to be contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded part of the money to the petitioner.
He said, “We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.
“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.”
Responding, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, stated that the prosecution was not privy to any discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant.
He stated, “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.”
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that “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 defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
But defence counsel informed the court that the defendant had only been served with the charge the previous day and that a bail application was being prepared.
He therefore urged the court to remand her in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
