EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO in court over N36 million property fraud

Popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Lagos federal high court today over an alleged N36 million fraud linked to a fake property deal.

Blessing is a well-known figure on Nigerian social media, particularly for her relationship advice content and outspoken commentary on marriage and dating. And, her arrest and arraignment have drawn significant public attention.

The EFCC presented a two-count charge before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, accusing her of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

According to the charge, Blessing CEO allegedly collected N36 million from a woman identified as Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. The property, prosecutors allege, was never hers to lease.

She pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to her in court.

Before the plea was taken, her defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million of the N36 million to the complainant, and that talks were ongoing to resolve the remaining balance. He added that the complainant had indicated a willingness to prevail on the EFCC to drop the case if the full amount was returned.

The prosecution pushed back. Counsel S.I. Suleiman made clear that the complainant in the eyes of the law is the Federal Government of Nigeria, not the individual who lost the money, and that any private discussions between the defendant and the victim did not affect the state’s obligation to proceed. “We are here for the arraignment,” he said.

Blessing CEO remanded in EFCC custody as court sets June 5 for trial

Justice Dipeolu agreed, ruling that private negotiations between the defendant and the nominal complainant could continue even while the case was before the court, but that they had no bearing on the day’s proceedings. The defendant took her plea as directed.

Following the not guilty plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand Blessing CEO to a correctional facility pending trial. Her counsel objected, noting she had only been served the charge the previous day and had not yet filed a bail application. The judge granted a middle ground, ordering that she be remanded in EFCC custody while her bail conditions are being prepared.

The case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

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