The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved its ruling on the bail application filed by popular social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, who is currently standing trial over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The anti-graft agency made this known in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday. According to the EFCC, Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned the matter until June 9, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its decision on the defendant’s request for bail.
Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. The charges were filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC following allegations that she fraudulently obtained a substantial sum of money from a businesswoman under false claims related to a property transaction.
In its statement, the commission said, “Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, June 5, 2026, reserved ruling until June 9, 2026, on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO.”
The EFCC alleged that the defendant received N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024. According to the commission, the money was collected under the pretext of securing a lease for a six-bedroom duplex located in the upscale Lekki area of Lagos State.
Investigators claim that the representation made to the complainant regarding the property arrangement turned out to be false, leading to allegations that the funds were obtained through fraudulent means. Consequently, the EFCC initiated legal proceedings against the social media personality, insisting that the matter constitutes a criminal offence that must be determined by the court.
During previous court proceedings, counsel representing Blessing CEO informed the court that efforts had been made to address the dispute. The defence revealed that N24 million out of the disputed N36 million had already been refunded to the complainant. The lawyer subsequently appealed to the court for additional time to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the outstanding balance and possibly reaching an amicable settlement.
However, the EFCC opposed the proposal, arguing that the issue before the court transcended a private financial dispute. The commission maintained that allegations involving fraud and obtaining money under false pretences are criminal matters that should be fully prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The anti-corruption agency stressed that the existence of ongoing negotiations or partial repayments does not invalidate the criminal charges against the defendant. EFCC prosecutors insisted that the judicial process should continue uninterrupted and that the court should not allow private arrangements between parties to halt criminal proceedings.
Justice Dipeolu agreed with the commission’s position and earlier ruled that discussions between the parties could not serve as a basis for suspending the trial. The judge held that criminal proceedings must follow due process and cannot be terminated solely because the parties are attempting to negotiate a settlement.
As a result, the court directed that the defendant remain in custody pending further proceedings and the determination of her bail application.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to Blessing CEO’s popularity on social media. Known for her outspoken views on relationships, marriage, and lifestyle issues, she commands a large online following and frequently generates public debate through her commentaries and online engagements.
Her legal troubles have therefore become a subject of widespread discussion among her supporters and critics alike, with many closely monitoring developments in the case.
The upcoming ruling on June 9 is expected to determine whether she will be granted temporary freedom while the trial continues or remain in custody pending the conclusion of the proceedings.
Legal observers note that the court’s decision on bail will be guided by several factors, including the nature of the allegations, the evidence presented by both parties, and assurances regarding the defendant’s availability for trial.
For now, the trial remains ongoing, while the EFCC continues to pursue the case against the social media influencer. The commission has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting financial crimes and ensuring that allegations of fraud are thoroughly investigated and adjudicated through the judicial process.
With the court set to rule on the bail application next week, attention will remain focused on the proceedings as both the prosecution and defence prepare for the next phase of the case.
