The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. She appeared before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on a two-count charge related to obtaining N36 million by false pretence and stealing.
Allegations and Charges
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences involve the sum of N36,000,000, which was fraudulently obtained from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos. The charges contravene the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Criminal Code Act.
Defence Counsel's Request
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had made a partial refund of N24 million to the nominal complainant. He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to allow for settlement of the outstanding balance. “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 complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he said.
Prosecution's Objection
However, prosecution counsel Sulaimon Suleiman opposed the request, maintaining that the EFCC was not a party to any such arrangement. “The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for arraignment. We urge the court to allow the defendant to take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he argued.
Court Ruling
In a brief ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that while parties may engage in settlement discussions, such negotiations do not halt criminal proceedings. “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.
Plea and Remand
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts. Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial. Defence counsel requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the filing of a bail application. Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody. The case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
