Popular relationship blogger and social media personality Blessing CEO, whose real name is Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud linked to a Lekki property transaction.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the influencer before Justice Dipeolu on multiple counts bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and fraudulent conversion of funds.
According to court proceedings, prosecutors alleged that Blessing CEO collected N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the claim that she could secure the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency told the court that the representation later turned out to be false.
One of the charges presented in court stated that the defendant allegedly obtained the money through false pretence in violation of provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another charge accused her of fraudulently converting the same sum for personal use, an offence said to be punishable under Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.
What Happened In Court
Proceedings took an unexpected turn after defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that discussions had already begun between the defendant and the nominal complainant.
According to the lawyer, Blessing CEO had refunded N24 million out of the disputed N36 million.
The defence then requested a short adjournment to allow room for settlement discussions and possible repayment of the remaining balance.
Counsel further told the court that the complainant had indicated willingness to intervene with the EFCC if the outstanding amount was fully refunded.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman immediately distanced the Federal Government from any private settlement talks.
He maintained that the EFCC’s position was strictly focused on arraignment and criminal prosecution.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the prosecutor told the court, insisting that the defendant must first enter her plea before any other discussion could proceed.
Justice Dipeolu agreed that settlement discussions could continue independently without stopping the legal process.
Following the ruling, the charges were read before the court and Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to all counts.
Court Orders Remand
After the plea was entered, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, argued that the charges had only been served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were already underway to file a formal bail application.
Rather than ordering immediate prison remand, the defence requested that she remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was subsequently adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Fresh Legal Troubles Around Blessing CEO
The latest court development adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the influencer in recent months.
Earlier reports had linked Blessing CEO to separate public controversies involving alleged fundraising claims and petitions reportedly submitted to the EFCC over separate allegations tied to online financial solicitation.
While those matters remain separate from the current Lagos property case, the latest arraignment has once again pushed the social media personality into the center of public conversation online.
As of the time of filing this report, no conviction has been secured against the defendant, and the matter remains before the court.
