EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist Blessing CEO over an alleged N36 million fraud involving a property transaction in Lagos.

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

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

The anti-graft agency alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant obtained the money from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, in the Lekki area of Lagos.

The commission claimed the representation was false and constituted an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The EFCC further accused her of fraudulently converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and was making efforts to settle the outstanding balance.

According to the lawyer, discussions were ongoing between both parties with the hope that the matter could be resolved amicably if the remaining amount was paid.

However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request for adjournment on the grounds of settlement talks, insisting that the criminal proceedings involved the Federal Government and could not be halted by private negotiations.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the prosecutor argued, urging the court to proceed with arraignment.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the criminal case before the court.

He stated that the defendant must take her plea regardless of any ongoing settlement efforts.

Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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

Her lawyer, however, informed the court that the defence had only recently received the charges and was still preparing a formal bail application.

The defence therefore requested that the influencer be temporarily remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.

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

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

Blessing CEO rose to prominence on social media through controversial relationship advice, celebrity commentary and viral online debates, building a large following across various digital platforms.

Over the years, she has remained a polarising figure in Nigeria’s online space, frequently attracting criticism and public attention over her outspoken views and personal controversies.

The case adds to a growing list of high-profile prosecutions involving influencers and celebrities as anti-corruption agencies intensify scrutiny of alleged financial crimes linked to online personalities and lifestyle branding.