CEO Blessing Arraigned on Alleged N36m Fraud, Remanded to EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has brought a case against social media influencer and self‑styled relationship therapist Blessing CEO for an alleged fraud of N36 million.

On Friday, Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC’s statement posted on its website indicates that the defendant, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, faces two charges: obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million.

During the hearing, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded part of the amount to the complainant.

“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.

Prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman countered that the EFCC was not involved in any private settlement 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.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that any negotiations 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 said.

The judge granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.

The case has been adjourned to 5 June 2026 for the start of the trial.