EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Nkiruka, popularly known as “Blessing CEO,” was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
During the proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance.
He told the court that the nominal complainant had agreed to prevail on the EFCC to discontinue the case once the balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the matter and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that any discussion between the defence and the nominal complainant would not affect the criminal proceedings and directed that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that Nkiruka fraudulently obtained N36 million between July 14 and 17, 2024, through false representation regarding the lease of the property.
Another count accused her of converting the same amount, said to belong to Mrs. Okoye, to personal use.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, informed the court that the charge had only been served on the defendant on May 14, 2026, and appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody while efforts were being made to perfect her bail application.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Fraud