Alleged N36m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO in Lagos Court

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned popular 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.

Blessing CEO was docked before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing of N36 million.

During proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and sought a short adjournment to enable parties resolve the outstanding balance.

According to him, the nominal complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the balance was paid.

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, argued that the Federal Government was the complainant in the case and that the prosecution was not aware of any settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner.

He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and allow the defendant to take her plea.

Ruling on the request, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant could continue alongside court proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.

One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

The prosecution further alleged that the representation was false and constituted an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The second count accused the defendant of fraudulently converting the said sum, belonging to Mrs. Okoye, to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Defence counsel, however, informed the court that the charge was only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, and that efforts were ongoing to file a bail application.

He subsequently prayed the court to remand the defendant 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 matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.