Self-acclaimed relationship expert and social media personality Blessing CEO has shared her first public message weeks after being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
The relationship coach, whose real name is Blessing Okoro, took to Instagram to post a brief but emotional message amid the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Keep me in your prayers. It will end in praise,” she wrote.
Her statement comes weeks after the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC arraigned her before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the anti graft agency, Blessing CEO is facing a two count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing involving N36 million.
The EFCC alleged that between July 14 and July 17, 2024, she obtained the money from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a lease for a six bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The commission further claimed that the representation made to the complainant was false and constituted an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
A separate charge alleges that the funds were subsequently converted to personal use in a manner contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
During the court proceedings, Blessing CEO’s lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that efforts had been made to refund part of the disputed funds.
According to the defence counsel, N24 million had already been returned to the complainant.
“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 nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” Nwafor told the court.
However, the EFCC maintained that any private settlement between the parties would not affect the criminal proceedings.
Prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman emphasized that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains the complainant in the matter.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu agreed that ongoing discussions between the parties should not interfere with the court process.
“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.
The case remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos and is still at the arraignment stage.
Blessing CEO is expected to enter her plea as proceedings continue.
Her latest social media post has since attracted reactions from followers, with supporters expressing hope that the legal matter will be resolved favorably while others continue to monitor developments in the case.
The EFCC, Nigeria’s leading anti corruption agency, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes including advance fee fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, and other related offences.
As the case progresses, both legal observers and followers of the social media personality will be watching closely for the next stage of proceedings.
