The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 15, 2026, brought self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court presided over the session where the EFCC charged the social media influencer with two counts of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the charges, Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false claim of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The commission stated that she knew the representation was false and later converted the money to her personal use.
In court, defence lawyer P.I. Nwafor told the judge that his client had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner. He requested a short adjournment to settle the remaining balance, noting that the complainant agreed to support the withdrawal of the case if full payment is made.
Prosecutor S.I. Suleiman opposed the request and insisted that the defendant should take her plea, emphasising that the complainant in the matter is the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The judge ruled that private discussions between the parties do not stop the court proceedings. Blessing CEO then pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Suleiman asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility, but the defence explained that she received the charges only on Thursday and needed time to file a bail application.
Justice Dipeolu ordered her remand in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail.
The court adjourned the case to June 5, 2026, for the start of trial.
