Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody - Newstrends
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Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody

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5 months ago

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Court grants Blessing CEO N20m bail in alleged N69.15m property fraud case
Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO

Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over a fresh N69.1 million fraud allegation, amid an ongoing N36 million fraud trial and a separate controversy surrounding her earlier claim of having stage four cancer and subsequent public fundraising. The anti-graft agency announced the fresh arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO was docked before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

According to the EFCC’s statement, the first count of the charge reads: “That you, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.” The second count reads: “That you, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.” Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to both charges when they were read to her in court on Tuesday.

At the commencement of the proceedings, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that Blessing CEO had been duly served with the charge. However, Nkama Nneka, Blessing CEO’s counsel, argued that service of the charge on her client had only recently been effected. Justice Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, and the charges were subsequently read to the defendant. Following her not guilty plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case. Justice Oshodi subsequently ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.

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The fresh charges came on the same day that Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, granted Blessing CEO bail in the sum of N10 million over a separate alleged N36 million fraud charge. Blessing CEO was initially arraigned on May 14, 2026, before Justice Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million. The EFCC accused her of obtaining the money between July 14 and 17, 2024, from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, claiming she would secure a lease for a six-bedroom duplex at 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. Justice Dipeolu granted bail with strict conditions: N10 million with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a family member and must provide proof of employment, a Bank Verification Number (BVN) , a National Identification Number (NIN) , and a valid phone number. The sureties must also submit a valid passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs.

The trial in the N36 million case commenced on Friday, June 5, 2026, before Justice Dipeolu, with an EFCC investigator testifying that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from her victim under false pretences. The first prosecution witness, Mrs. Bufa Okangbe, an investigator with the anti-graft agency, told the court that investigations revealed that Blessing CEO received a total of N36 million from the nominal complainant, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okoye, in connection with the lease of a property in Lekki, Lagos. While being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Suleiman Suleiman, the witness identified the defendant’s statement and other exhibits, including a lease agreement and bank records from Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank. Mrs. Okangbe explained that the defendant admitted to receiving payments from the complainant and that records indicated that N25 million was deposited into her Guaranty Trust Bank account in July 2024, and N11 million into her Access Bank account, totalling N36 million. She further testified that follow-up investigations traced several transactions after the funds were received, including transfers of N8 million to Thomas and Jumoke Osogun (the actual owners of the property), payments of N9 million, N900,000, and N2 million to her mother, Mrs. Lina Okoro, a transfer of N10 million to Kenneth Onuora, and a payment of N1.9 million to De Beauty City, Lekki. The witness further stated that investigations with the Lagos State Land Bureau confirmed that Thomas Osogun was the true owner of the property and that the defendant had only leased it for a period, with the initial lease expiring in 2023 before being renewed in 2025. Following the presentation of evidence, the defence requested an adjournment to gather more relevant documents. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to June 22, 2026, for continuation of trial.

A few months ago, Blessing CEO had announced she had stage four cancer, prompting the public to crowdfund for her treatment. After raising a substantial sum of money estimated at around N36 million, she returned to normal life, a move that sparked reactions from those who had donated to her treatment. Social media activist Verydarkman (VDM) publicly called out Blessing CEO, demanding a refund of his donation. In an Instagram Live session, he stated: “Blessing CEO, my money is in your account. All these things you are saying that you don’t know whether you are stage 4 or not. It now appears you defrauded the public, which is a very serious crime. I have been busy since, but when I am ready, you will refund my money. You will learn the hard way.” Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha also strongly criticized Blessing CEO, describing the situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” She accused the influencer of misleading the public and engaging in “deliberate deception and financial exploitation.” Onuoha stated: “You told people you were critically ill and appealed to their empathy, and they responded with compassion and financial support. That is not a joke. That is deception.” She called on authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and the EFCC, to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Blessing CEO now faces two separate criminal proceedings simultaneously. The first case involves the alleged N36 million fraud with an alleged offence date of July 14-17, 2024, being heard at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu. The trial is ongoing and bail has been granted in the sum of N10 million. The next hearing is scheduled for June 22, 2026. The victim in this case is Ifeyinwa Okoye, an individual, and the property involved is 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki. The second case involves the fresh N69.1 million fraud with an alleged offence date of March 21, 2025, being heard at the Special Offences Court, Ikeja before Justice R. A. Oshodi. Blessing CEO has been arraigned and remanded in EFCC custody, with her bail application hearing set for July 16, 2026. The victim in this case is Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, a company, and the property involved is 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on fresh N69.1 million fraud charges before Justice R. A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos on June 9, 2026. She pleaded not guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. The alleged fraud involves falsely representing ownership of a Lekki property to Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited. Justice Oshodi remanded her in EFCC custody pending her bail application hearing on July 16, 2026. In a separate N36 million fraud case, Justice Dipeolu granted her bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties. The N36 million trial commenced on June 5, 2026, with an EFCC investigator detailing how she allegedly received the money for a property she did not own. The trial continues on June 22, 2026, for further cross-examination. Blessing CEO had earlier claimed to have stage four cancer and raised funds from the public, prompting criticism from Verydarkman and Georgina Onuoha.

Blessing CEO Faces Fresh N69.1 Million Fraud Charge, Remanded in EFCC Custody

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Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver

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8 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Justice Served: Two Men to Die by Hanging for Rape, Murder of Anambra Teenager

Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver

 

An Imo State High Court has sentenced a 28-year-old point-of-sale (POS) operator, Isaac Okorie, to death by hanging for his role in the kidnapping and murder of an 83-year-old man, Chief Alexander Chukwuma Okoli, and his driver, Daniel Sarki, despite the payment of ransom by the victims’ family.

 

Justice Matthew Ijezie, sitting at the High Court in Urualla, within the Orlu Judicial Division, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after finding Okorie guilty on six counts bordering on armed robbery, hostage-taking and murder.

 

The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt through the evidence presented during the trial.

 

According to the judgment, the incident occurred on October 14, 2023, at Isiekenesi in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, when Okoli and his driver were abducted by members of an armed criminal gang.

 

The court heard that Okorie conspired with other members of the gang, who were armed with guns, to seize the two men and take them into a bush.

 

The kidnappers also reportedly stole Okoli’s gold-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration number AAH 989 RM.

 

The gang subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ family in exchange for their release.

 

However, the family eventually paid ₦2.515 million, but the payment did not secure the safe return of the two men.

 

According to the court’s account, the gang killed both victims despite receiving the money and later sent photographs of their lifeless bodies to the family.

 

The remains of Okoli and his driver had yet to be recovered as of the time the judgment was reported, leaving their family members without the opportunity to give them a proper burial.

 

During the trial, the court heard that police investigations identified Okorie’s role in the criminal operation as receiving ransom payments from the families of kidnapping victims.

 

The evidence linking him to the operation formed part of the prosecution’s case, which the court found sufficient to establish his guilt on all six counts.

 

Following the conviction, the court gave Okorie an opportunity to plead for leniency before sentencing, a procedure known as allocutus.

 

Okorie reportedly appealed to the court for mercy, but Justice Ijezie proceeded to sentence him to death by hanging.

 

Reacting to the judgment, Ikenna Obi, a senior state counsel with the Imo State Ministry of Justice who prosecuted the case, described the ruling as significant.

 

Obi said the judgment would provide some measure of relief to the victims’ family, despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their remains.

 

He expressed hope that the conviction would deter individuals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, while discouraging others from joining criminal gangs.

 

The prosecutor also commended the judge for delivering what he described as a well-considered judgment in accordance with the law.

 

Amanda, the daughter of one of the victims, also reportedly expressed relief that the court had punished the convict.

 

She, however, said the family remained deeply distressed by the failure to recover the bodies of her father and his driver.

 

Although the judgment offered the family some comfort, she expressed hope that security agencies would intensify efforts to locate the remains and arrest other suspects who were still at large.

 

The conviction marks a significant development in the case, which began with the abduction of the elderly man and his driver nearly three years before the judgment.

 

However, the family’s search for closure remains incomplete, as the recovery of the victims’ remains and the prosecution of any outstanding suspects remain unresolved.

 

 

Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver

 

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MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure

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October 25, 2026

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MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure
MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the commandant of Mogadishu Cantonment for reopening a mosque used by Muslim soldiers and their families in Abuja after a week-long closure.

The Islamic human rights organisation said the mosque, which serves Muslim personnel and their families residing in military accommodation within the cantonment, was reopened on Tuesday, October 20, following an appeal by the group.

MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, describing the reopening as a welcome development that demonstrated the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving religious concerns.

According to Akintola, the mosque had been closed since October 12, preventing Muslim soldiers and their families living within the military facility from using it for their daily prayers.

He said MURIC had earlier appealed to the Army Headquarters and the cantonment authorities to explain the reason for the closure and restore access to the mosque for worshippers.

The organisation expressed concern over the disruption of daily prayers and urged the military authorities to address the matter.

Akintola said the mosque’s reopening on October 20, the same day MURIC publicly raised the issue, brought relief to the organisation and affected worshippers.

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He described the development as an indication that concerns raised through dialogue and peaceful engagement could receive prompt attention from relevant authorities.

MURIC said it appreciated the response of the Army Headquarters and the cantonment commandant, praising what it described as the professionalism of the military leadership and its respect for the rule of law.

The organisation also expressed optimism that the resolution of the matter would strengthen public confidence in the military and encourage constructive engagement between religious communities and security institutions.

According to Akintola, cooperation between the military and Muslim communities is particularly important in addressing terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges facing the country.

He argued that mutual understanding and goodwill between the armed forces and civilians would help strengthen collective efforts to combat insecurity.

MURIC therefore urged Muslims across Nigeria to cooperate fully with military personnel and other security agencies, stressing the importance of public support in the fight against crime and insurgency.

The organisation maintained that peaceful engagement remained essential to resolving disagreements and preventing issues involving religious practice from escalating into wider disputes.

Although MURIC welcomed the reopening of the mosque, its statement did not disclose the reason for the initial closure or whether the Army Headquarters had issued a separate explanation.

The development followed MURIC’s earlier public appeal to the military authorities to explain the closure and reopen the facility.

The organisation’s latest statement focused on appreciating the authorities for restoring access to the mosque and encouraging continued cooperation between Muslims and the military.

MURIC, which advocates the protection of Muslim rights and promotes dialogue as an alternative to violence, said the outcome offered encouragement that concerns could be addressed through peaceful and constructive engagement.

The organisation concluded by urging Nigerians to support security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and reduce crime across the country.

 

MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure

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US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences

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14 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences
Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka and Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya

US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences

The United States government has listed two Nigerian men, Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka and Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya, as wanted over separate allegations involving healthcare fraud and drug-related offences.

The two men were listed by different US federal law enforcement agencies, with Ohaka accused of participating in a scheme involving more than $3.1 million in fraudulent Medicare claims, while Olukoya is wanted over an alleged conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

According to information released by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Ohaka, 57, allegedly worked with co-conspirators through his Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc., to submit fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment.

The equipment included power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories that investigators alleged were medically unnecessary or were not supplied to beneficiaries.

The agency said the alleged scheme involved more than $3.1 million in claims, with approximately $1.08 million in proceeds reportedly obtained.

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Investigators also alleged that Ohaka presented himself as a medical doctor under the name “Dr Joshua Ohaka” and targeted Medicare beneficiaries who had lived in areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The authorities further alleged that kickbacks were paid to recruit beneficiaries into the scheme.

The allegations concern possible fraud against Medicare, the US government-funded health insurance programme that primarily serves people aged 65 and older and certain younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.

In a separate case, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed Olukoya, 57, also known as “Uncle”, as wanted over an alleged conspiracy to possess controlled substances with the intention of distributing them and to distribute the substances.

The DEA’s Chicago Division announced that it was seeking information about Olukoya, whose case is associated with the Southern District of Indiana.

Olukoya had previously been named among defendants in a marijuana trafficking case announced by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana in May 2022. Prosecutors at the time alleged that the wider operation involved the distribution of large quantities of marijuana across several US states between 2016 and 2022.

However, the latest DEA wanted notice does not, by itself, establish that the allegations have been proven in court.

The two cases involve separate investigations, and there is no indication in the available reports that Ohaka and Olukoya were connected.

US authorities have called for information that could help locate the wanted men. The agencies have not established in the cited announcements that either man is currently in Nigeria.

The development comes amid continued efforts by US law enforcement agencies to pursue people accused of healthcare fraud, drug trafficking and other federal offences.

Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

 

US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences

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