Court Orders EFCC To Detain Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Fraud

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the remand of social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing involving N36 million.

During the proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the complainant as part of efforts to settle the matter.

He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable both parties resolve the outstanding balance.

According to him, “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.”

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the matter and 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,” he told the court.

In his ruling, Justice D.I. Dipeolu held that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant could continue independently without affecting the criminal proceedings.

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

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

The charge stated that the alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

She pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to her.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand her in custody pending trial.

The defence, however, informed the court that the charge had only been served on the defendant on May 14 and that efforts were ongoing to file a bail application.

Nwafor subsequently requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing and perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.