The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to the EFCC, she is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million.

During the proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded part of the money to the complainant.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer said.

He further requested a short adjournment to allow for settlement of the outstanding balance, adding that the complainant was willing to withdraw the case upon full repayment.

However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, stressing that the EFCC was not a party to any private settlement.

“The complainant is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for arraignment. We urge the court to allow the defendant to take her plea,” he said.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any settlement discussions between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the criminal proceedings.

“The defendant can engage in discussions with the nominal complainant, but that does not affect the case before the court. She must take her plea,” the judge ruled.

One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

The EFCC said the representation was false and constitutes an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

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She was also accused of fraudulently converting the funds for personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.

Her counsel, however, told the court that the defence had only just been served with the charges and needed time to file a bail application. He requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial. (The Nation News)

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