The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, over allegations of property fraud involving ₦69.15 million. She faces a separate ₦36 million fraud case, bringing the total value of allegations against her to more than ₦105 million.
Court Appearance and Charges
Blessing CEO was brought before a Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday. The EFCC accused her of collecting ₦69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited by falsely claiming ownership of a property in Lekki. She allegedly leased the property to the health company for five years, but the EFCC maintains she did not own it and used the false claim to obtain the money. She was charged with obtaining money by false pretense and stealing.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her defense counsel raised concerns about the timing of the charge being served, but the judge ruled that proceedings should continue. After the plea, the prosecution requested that she remain in EFCC custody until her appearance at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi the following day for a separate case. The judge remanded her in EFCC custody and scheduled her bail application and trial commencement for July 16.
Second Fraud Case
The separate case involves an alleged ₦36 million fraud. On the same Tuesday, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi granted Blessing CEO bail of ₦10 million in that matter. The bail conditions require two sureties in the same amount, one of whom must be a family member. Both sureties must submit proof of employment, BVN, NIN, valid phone numbers, international passports, tax clearance for the last two years, and six passport photographs before her release.
The EFCC alleges that in both cases, the disputed property was represented as belonging to the defendant. Neither case has gone to trial.
Total Allegations
Between the two cases, Blessing CEO now faces allegations totaling over ₦105 million across two separate courts. Both involve claims of obtaining money under false pretenses.
