The EFCC has arraigned social media influencer Blessing CEO over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, real name Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. She faces two counts of obtaining money under false pretence and theft.
The EFCC says she collected N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, claiming it was for a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos. The commission alleges the claim was false and that she converted the money for personal use.
In court, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor said the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and asked for an adjournment to settle the balance. He said the complainant was willing to withdraw the case once full payment was made.
Prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, saying the EFCC was not party to any private settlement and that the case was being prosecuted on behalf of the Federal Government.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that any settlement would not stop the criminal case. “She must take her plea,” the judge said.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty. The prosecution asked that she be remanded in a correctional facility, but her lawyer said he had just been served and needed time to file a bail application. The judge ordered she be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for trial.
