The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the nominal complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow the parties to resolve the outstanding balance.
Nwafor told the court that discussions were ongoing between the defendant and the complainant, adding that the complainant had indicated willingness to prevail on the EFCC to discontinue the case if the balance was settled.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, stressing that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the matter and that the prosecution was unaware of any private arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner.
He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and take the defendant’s plea.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant could continue independently without affecting the court proceedings, directing that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that Nkiruka, between July 14 and 17, 2024, obtained N36 million from Mrs. Okoye through false representation relating to the lease of the Lekki property, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second count accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum for personal use, an offence said to contravene Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, informed the court that the charges had only been served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were ongoing to file a bail application.
Counsel subsequently prayed the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
