The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly obtained N36 million from one Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency told the court that the representation made by the defendant was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
During the court session, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow parties settle the outstanding balance.
The lawyer further stated that the nominal complainant was willing to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the remaining balance was paid.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the criminal matter and that private settlement talks could not halt the arraignment process.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that any settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner would not affect the criminal proceedings before the court.
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Following the ruling, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.
The prosecution subsequently requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial, while the defence informed the court that it had only received the charges a day earlier and was still preparing a bail application.
The defence then applied for the defendant to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.