LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Social media personality Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦36 million fraud tied to a Lagos property transaction.
Her charges borders on a fraud case linked to a Lekki duplex deal, with the anti-graft agency confirming that trial proceedings will begin in June 2026.
The self-styled relationship therapist appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 15, 2026.
She pleaded “not guilty” to the two-count charge involving alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
Reports from the EFCC states that Blessing CEO allegedly collected ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024.
Investigators claimed the payment was made for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road in Lekki, Lagos.
Court documents also stated that the influencer allegedly presented the property arrangement as genuine despite reportedly knowing the claim was false.
During the hearing, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded ₦24 million to the complainant.
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He also requested a short adjournment to allow discussions over the remaining balance.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million. We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” the lawyer said.
Countering Blessing’s defense, EFCC prosecutor S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, stressing that the matter remained a criminal case involving the Federal Government.
“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,” Suleiman told the court.
Therefore, Justice Dipeolu ruled that any settlement discussions between both parties would not stop the legal proceedings from continuing.
The prosecution then asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending trial.
Defense counsel responded by revealing that the charges had only been served a day earlier and that efforts were ongoing to perfect her bail application.
The judge eventually ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody while the case continues.
The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, when trial proceedings are expected to commence.
Notably, the case has triggered widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the allegations while urging the EFCC to investigate the donations she received following her viral cancer claims.
