Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigns social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case in Lagos.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC brings the defendant before Justice Deinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Friday on two counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO allegedly collected ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
During proceedings, defence counsel P. I. Nwafor tells the court that the defendant has refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and seeks a short adjournment to settle the outstanding balance.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance,” Nwafor says.
However, prosecution counsel Suleiman I. Suleiman insists the Federal Government remains the complainant in the matter.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment,” he says.
Justice Dipeolu rules that discussions between both parties do not stop court proceedings and directs the defendant to enter her plea.
Blessing CEO pleads “not guilty” to all charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requests a trial date and asks the court to remand the defendant pending trial.
Defence counsel appeals for her remand in EFCC custody while efforts continue to perfect bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu grants the request and adjourns the case until June 5, 2026, for trial commencement.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
