The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday.
She faces a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by pretense and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly obtained ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of securing the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to settle the remaining balance.
According to him, the complainant had allegedly agreed to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter once the outstanding balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman rejected the arrangement, insisting that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the case.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment,” he told the court.
Justice Dipeolu subsequently ruled that settlement discussions could continue independently while the case proceeds and directed the defendant to enter her plea.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defense, however, informed the court that the charges were only served on May 14 and that efforts were ongoing to perfect a bail application.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request for temporary remand in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
