Social media personality Blessing CEO has appeared before a Lagos court over fresh allegations of fraud involving N69.15 million, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its prosecution of the influencer in a separate case.

The EFCC arraigned Okoro Blessing Nkiruka before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja. Prosecutors accused her of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing after an alleged transaction involving Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the commission, the case centres on a property in Lekki which the defendant allegedly presented as her own and offered on a five-year lease. The EFCC said the company paid N69.15 million based on that representation.

At the hearing, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie asked the court to proceed with the arraignment, saying the charge had been served on the defendant. Defence counsel Nkama Nneka told the court that service had only recently been effected.

Justice Oshodi ruled that the proceedings should continue and directed that the charges be read. After entering a not guilty plea, Blessing CEO’s case was adjourned for further proceedings.

The prosecution also asked the court to remand the defendant pending her appearance before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi in another fraud matter.

The judge granted the request and ordered that she remain in EFCC custody. The court fixed July 16 for the hearing of her bail application and the commencement of trial.

In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Justice Dipeolu granted Blessing CEO bail in an alleged N36 million fraud case.

The court set bail at N10 million with two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must be a family member and provide proof of employment, a Bank Verification Number, National Identification Number and a valid phone number.

The court also directed the sureties to submit valid international passports, tax clearance certificates covering the last two years and six passport photographs.

The EFCC is prosecuting the influencer in both matters. The allegations in the two cases have not yet been tested at trial. (AriseNews TV)

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