The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.
The anti-graft agency, in a statement published on its official website, disclosed that the influencer was accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of naira from a petitioner under the guise of a property transaction.
During proceedings before the court, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafor, informed the judge that his client had already refunded a substantial portion of the money allegedly involved in the matter.
According to the defence lawyer, Blessing CEO had refunded N24 million out of the disputed N36 million to the complainant and was seeking time to settle the outstanding balance.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” Nwafor told the court.
“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,” he added.
However, counsel to the EFCC, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request and insisted that the matter before the court was a criminal case involving the Federal Government and not merely a private dispute between two individuals.
According to the prosecutor, the EFCC was not part of any settlement arrangement allegedly reached between the defendant and the petitioner.
“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,” Suleiman argued.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any private discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not stop or affect the ongoing criminal proceedings before the court.
“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 judge ruled.
One of the charges filed against Blessing CEO alleged that she obtained the sum of N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
According to the EFCC, the representation made to the petitioner was false and amounted to an offence punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The commission also accused the influencer of dishonestly converting the money to personal use, an action said to be contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read to her in court, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that the court remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
However, defence counsel appealed for leniency, explaining that the defence team had only been served with the charges a day earlier and was still in the process of preparing a formal bail application.
Nwafor subsequently requested that the defendant be allowed to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions rather than being transferred immediately to a correctional centre.
Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending further proceedings in the matter.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment has generated widespread reactions on social media, where Blessing CEO has built a large following over the years through controversial relationship advice, celebrity commentary and online counselling sessions.
Known for her outspoken personality and provocative social media presence, the influencer has frequently dominated online conversations with her views on relationships, marriage and lifestyle issues.
The case adds to a growing list of high-profile fraud-related prosecutions involving public figures and social media personalities in Nigeria, as anti-corruption agencies continue to intensify efforts against alleged financial crimes and internet-related fraud.
Legal analysts say the case also highlights the increasing scrutiny on online personalities whose businesses and financial dealings attract public attention due to their celebrity status and influence on social media platforms.
As the matter proceeds to trial, attention is expected to remain focused on the court proceedings and whether the alleged refund and ongoing discussions between the parties could influence future developments in the case.
