The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Nkiruka, popularly 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 alleged stealing.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million out of the alleged N36 million involved in the case.
According to him, discussions were ongoing with the nominal complainant to settle the outstanding balance, adding that the complainant had indicated willingness to prevail on the EFCC to discontinue the matter if full repayment was made.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and not the petitioner, was the complainant in the matter.
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 alongside court proceedings, stressing that such negotiations would not affect the case before the court.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
Another count accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum to personal use.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
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Defence counsel, however, informed the court that the charge had only been served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and that efforts were being made to file a bail application.
He subsequently asked the court to allow the defendant to remain 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 case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
