The controversial social media personality known as Blessing CEO faces arrest for a fraud-related crime. Consequently, the embattled social media influencer is trying every means to free herself from the disgraceful entanglement even as she is still battling with accusations of a fake cancer claim.
Blessing CEO Arraigned Over Fraud Allegation
Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, faces arraignment for alleged fraud involving ₦36 million. Consequently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought her before Justice Deinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 charged her on two counts: obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
Defence Reveals Partial Refund to Complainant
At the court session, Blessing CEO’s defence counsel, P. I. Nwafor, stated part of the funds had been refunded. “We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” Nwafor said. Thus, her defence counsel requested a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. In addition, the complainant agreed that if the balance were paid, they could convince the EFCC to drop the case.
Prosecution Opposes Adjournment Application
The prosecution opposed the defence’s request, urging the court to proceed with arraignment. In furtherance to the argument, the EFCC official said, “The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment.” Furthermore, they argued that “We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day.”
Court Allows Plea and Permits Settlement Talks
Justice Dipeolu ruled that settlement discussions can continue alongside court proceedings. “The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge,” the judge said. The court ordered the defendant to enter her plea.
Details of the Charges Against Blessing CEO
The charge alleges Blessing CEO, obtained ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye. The money was under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos. Additionally, the prosecutors claim she knew this representation was false and converted the funds to personal use. Consequently, the first count cites a breach under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006. While the second count accuses her of fraudulent conversion under Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Blessing CEO, pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against her; hence, following the plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date. However, they subsequently sought an order to remand her in custody pending trial.
Defence Requests Bail and Custody in EFCC Pending Bail
The defence counsel said the charge was served only a day earlier and, based on that, a bail application was in preparation. Meanwhile, he requested she remain in EFCC custody until bail arrangements conclude. Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered her remand in EFCC custody. In sum, the court adjourned the matter to June 5, 2026, to commence trial.
