A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N10 million to popular social media influencer and relationship coach, Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud case brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Key Highlights:
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice D.I. Dipeolu approved the bail application and directed that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility until she fulfills the conditions attached to her release, including the provision of two sureties.
Blessing CEO was arraigned by the EFCC on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and unlawful conversion of funds.
She pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read before the court.
During the proceedings, her counsel, Nneka Nkama, appealed to the court to allow her client remain in EFCC custody while efforts were made to perfect the bail conditions.
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However, counsel to the anti-graft agency, Suleiman Suleiman, opposed the request, informing the court that the commission’s detention facility could no longer accommodate the defendant due to capacity constraints.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Dipeolu ordered that the social media influencer be transferred to a correctional centre pending the perfection of her bail.
The case was subsequently adjourned until June 22, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offence occurred between July 14 and July 17, 2024, when Blessing CEO reportedly obtained N36 million from a complainant, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, under the claim that she had authority to lease a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street in Lekki, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that after making payment, the complainant commenced renovation work on the property before the actual owner emerged and reclaimed possession, forcing her out of the premises.
The EFCC further accused the defendant of unlawfully converting the funds to her personal use, allegations that form the basis of the ongoing prosecution.
The trial is expected to resume later this month as the court begins hearing evidence from witnesses and considers the merits of the charges against the defendant.
