Amanze Chinonye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud, Prime Business Africa reports.
The defendant was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
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According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the nominal complainant and requested a short adjournment to enable parties resolve the outstanding 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,” he said.
Responding, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, maintained that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and insisted that the arraignment should proceed.
“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 said.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant would not affect the proceedings before the court and directed that the defendant take her plea.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant fraudulently obtained N36 million from the complainant under the false pretence of leasing the property, an act said to contravene Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
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The second count accused her of fraudulently converting the sum to personal use, contrary to Sections 383 and 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
However, defence counsel informed the court that the charge was only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were ongoing to file her bail application. He subsequently prayed the court to remand her in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
