Femi Ashekun/
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media personality and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud linked to a luxury property transaction in Lekki.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the charges stem from allegations that she collected N36 million from a petitioner, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, under the guise of arranging the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The Commission alleged that the representation turned out to be false and that the money was subsequently converted for personal use.
Court proceedings took a dramatic turn when defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and was seeking time to settle the outstanding balance.
The defence further claimed that the nominal complainant had indicated a willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if full repayment was made.
However, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, rejected the suggestion that any private settlement could halt the proceedings, insisting that the complainant in the case remained the Federal Government of Nigeria rather than an individual petitioner.
Justice Dipeolu subsequently ruled that discussions between the defendant and the petitioner could continue independently without affecting the criminal proceedings before the court.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant fraudulently obtained N36 million from the complainant through false claims relating to the Lekki property transaction, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
A second count accused her of fraudulently converting the same sum for personal use in violation of the Criminal Code Act.
Blessing CEO 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.
Her lawyer, however, told the court that the defence had only been served with the charges a day earlier and that a bail application was still being prepared.
He urged the court to allow her remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of 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.
Blessing CEO rose to prominence on Nigerian social media through controversial relationship advice, celebrity commentary and lifestyle content, frequently generating debate online over her outspoken views on relationships and marriage.
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