The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer Blessing CEO before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud. The influencer appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Two-Count Charge Filed by EFCC
The anti-graft agency slammed Blessing CEO with a two-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and obtaining money under false pretences. According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly collected N36 million from a woman identified as Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, for a property deal in Lekki, Lagos. The commission claimed that she falsely represented the money as payment for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki.
Defence Seeks Settlement, Court Rejects
Blessing CEO's counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the influencer had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and was making efforts to settle the remaining balance. The lawyer requested a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding amount, noting that the complainant had agreed to drop the case if the balance was paid. However, the EFCC's prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, stating that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the case, not the private individual. Justice Dipeolu ruled that any private agreement between the parties would not halt the criminal proceedings.
Blessing CEO Pleads Not Guilty
After the charges were read, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions, as the defence had just received the charges and was still preparing a bail application. The court granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody. The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for trial commencement.
Related Case: VeryDarkMan Petitions Police
In a separate development, social media activist VeryDarkMan took legal steps against Blessing CEO over her stage 4 breast cancer claims. He submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja, accusing her of obtaining money under false pretences, forgery, and false representation. VeryDarkMan, who donated N150 to her cause, stated that the financial strain contributed to severe ulcers, prompting his decision to pursue legal action for accountability.
