The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has officially arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka (popularly known as Blessing CEO), before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Appearing before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday, May 15, 2026, she pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretenses and fraudulent conversion to the tune of ₦36,000,000.
Key Details of the Court Proceedings
- The Charges: According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained ₦36 million from a complainant, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between July 14 and 17, 2024. The money was meant for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex on Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos—a representation the prosecution asserts she knew to be false.
- Partial Refund & Settlement Moves: Defense counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million of the total sum to the nominal complainant. He requested a short adjournment to allow his client to settle the remaining ₦12 million balance, stating that the complainant had agreed to approach the EFCC to withdraw the case once fully paid.
- EFCC’s Stance: The prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed any delay to the arraignment, emphasizing that the EFCC was not privy to private settlement terms and that the state (Federal Government of Nigeria) is the official complainant. Justice Dipeolu ruled that while out-of-court discussions can continue during the trial, it would not stall court proceedings.
- Remand Order: Following her “not guilty” plea, the prosecution requested she be remanded in a correctional facility. However, her defense team—noting they were only served the charges on Thursday, May 14—requested she be kept in EFCC custody instead while they perfect her bail application. The judge granted the request and ordered her remanded in EFCC custody.
Case Timeline
Next Court Date: The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the official commencement of the trial.
