The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned controversial social media personality Blessing CEO, also known as Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of fraud amounting to ₦36 million. The case, filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, alleges that Blessing CEO obtained the money under false pretenses related to a property lease.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the charge sheet, Blessing CEO is accused of collecting ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024. The money was purportedly for leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. Prosecutors claim that Blessing CEO had no authority to lease the property, as it did not belong to her.
Court Proceedings
During the arraignment on Friday, May 15, 2026, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretense and stealing. Her defense counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that she had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner and requested an adjournment to settle the remaining ₦12 million. He added that the complainant had agreed to drop the case if the balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the complainant in the case is the Federal Government of Nigeria, not the individual petitioner, and that the arraignment must proceed regardless of any private settlement. Justice Dipeolu upheld this position and ordered Blessing CEO to take her plea.
Remand and Bail Conditions
After she pleaded not guilty, the court ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions. Her counsel had requested remand at a correctional facility, but the court rejected this, noting that she had only been served with the charge the previous day. The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Blessing CEO, known for her outspoken relationship advice and controversial online presence, has faced allegations in the past, including claims that she posed with a property she did not own. This case adds a legal dimension to the scrutiny she has faced on social media.
