Popular relationship influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been placed in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a court order issued Friday by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The controversial figure was arraigned by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 on two counts — obtaining money under false pretences and stealing — involving an alleged sum of ₦36 million.
Partial Refund Already Made, Defence Says
At the start of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor disclosed that his client had already returned ₦24 million of the disputed amount to the complainant, and appealed to the court for a brief adjournment to resolve the remaining balance.
“The nominal complainant has agreed that if the outstanding balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” Nwafor told the court.
Prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman, however, pushed back, clarifying that the Federal Government — as the primary complainant — was not party to any such arrangement and insisted the arraignment proceed as scheduled. Justice Dipeolu agreed, noting that private negotiations between the defence and the nominal complainant could continue without interrupting court proceedings.
What The Charges Say
According to the first count, between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO allegedly collected ₦36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex on Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos — a representation the prosecution says she knew to be false. This is said to be in violation of Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second count alleges that she fraudulently converted the same ₦36 million — belonging to Mrs. Okoye — for personal use, contrary to Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Remanded Pending Bail
Following her plea, the prosecution sought a remand order and a trial date. The defence noted that the charge had only been served on the defendant a day earlier — Thursday, May 14 — and that her bail application was still being prepared. Counsel therefore requested she be held in EFCC custody rather than a correctional facility in the interim.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request, ordering that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC detention pending the conclusion of her bail process. The matter has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
READ ALSO:
- Desmond Elliot Apologises To Gbajabiamila Over Lagos Political Rift
- Wema Bank Plc Sets the Record Straight on False and Misleading Publication by NDIC on Legacy Transactions Involving Defunct Gulf Bank Plc
- Tinubu: Nigerians Want Modern Hospitals But Don’t Want to Pay Taxes
- Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Completing Three-Nation African and European Tour
- Excitement as Zamfara Under Governor Lawal Begins Airlift of Pilgrims at Zamfara Airport
