Juliet Oladele, Reporting
POPULAR social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known to her followers as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud linked to a property deal in Lekki.
The defendant appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi on Friday, facing a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent conversion of funds.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which brought the case through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained the sum from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between 14 and 17 July 2024. The money was reportedly paid under the false pretence of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex at 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the property arrangement presented to the complainant was entirely false and deliberately designed to deceive her into handing over the cash.
Refund of N24m
At the start of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that efforts were already under way to resolve the matter out of court, revealing that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer told the court.
Mr Nwafor urged the judge to grant a short adjournment to allow both parties to conclude discussions on the outstanding balance. He added that the complainant had indicated she would be willing to ask the EFCC to discontinue the case if full repayment was made.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, arguing that the case was a criminal matter instituted by the Federal Government, not a private dispute between individuals.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Mr Suleiman said.
Judge’s Ruling
Delivering a brief ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defendant and the complainant could continue independently without affecting the criminal proceedings before the court.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
One of the charges read before the court alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from the complainant under false pretences, an offence said to contravene Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second count accused her of fraudulently converting the money to her personal use, contrary to Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Remanded in EFCC Custody
Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and requested that the court remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence counsel informed the court that the charges had only been served on the defendant on Thursday, 14 May 2026, adding that efforts were under way to file a formal bail application. He subsequently prayed the court to allow his client to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter has been adjourned until 5 June 2026 for the commencement of trial.
