What happened in court during Blessing CEO’s fraud case hearing

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi.

A statement shared on the anti-graft agency’s website disclosed that Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million.

The defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, during proceedings, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded part of the money to the petitioner.

“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,” the lawyer said.

The prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, however, stated that the EFCC was not involved in any private settlement discussion between the defendant and the petitioner.

“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 said.

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

“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.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.

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

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