EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer Blessing CEO Over N36m Fraud

EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer Blessing CEO Over N36m Fraud

 

LAGOS — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned a prominent social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before a Lagos State High Court over an alleged N36 million fraud.

The self-styled relationship expert is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and stealing, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to the charge sheet, Blessing CEO allegedly defrauded one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okoye of N36 million between July 14 and 17, 2024.

The prosecution, led by counsel to the EFCC, Mr. S.O. Daji, informed the court that the influencer falsely represented to the petitioner that she had a six-bedroom duplex available for lease in the highbrow Lekki area of Lagos, a claim the prosecution maintains was entirely false.

It was further alleged that upon receipt of the sum, Blessing CEO converted the funds to her personal use instead of securing the promised property.

When the charges were read to her, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty. Her counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, immediately applied for her bail.

In a notable development, Adedipe informed the presiding judge that a substantial portion of the disputed sum had already been refunded.

“My Lord, N24 million has been returned to the petitioner. We are actively engaging with the complainant’s family to resolve the remaining balance amicably,” the senior advocate told the court.

However, the presiding judge ruled that the ongoing private settlement discussions do not invalidate the criminal proceedings already initiated by the state.

Consequently, the court ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending the determination of her bail application.

The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for trial. Blessing CEO, known for her controversial commentary on relationships and high-profile legal cases involving fellow celebrities, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the charges.