BREAKING: EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36 Million Fraud
Popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
Blessing CEO was brought before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a brief adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance amicably.
The defence also stated that the petitioner had expressed willingness to approach the EFCC for possible withdrawal of the matter once the remaining amount was settled.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the case and urged the court to continue with the arraignment process.
Presiding judge, Justice D.I. Dipeolu, ruled that any private arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner would not stop the court proceedings and subsequently directed that Blessing CEO take her plea.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody, explaining that the charges were only served on May 14, 2026, while efforts to perfect her bail conditions were still ongoing.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
