Relationship therapist and social media personality Blessing CEO has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on fraud and unlawful conversion of funds amounting to ₦36 million.
The popular online influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. She is facing a two-count charge filed by the EFCC in connection with an alleged fraudulent property transaction involving a six-bedroom duplex located in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained the sum of ₦36 million from a woman identified as Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under false pretences. Investigators claimed the money was paid between July 14 and July 17, 2024, after the defendant allegedly represented that the payment was meant to secure the lease of the luxury property in Lekki.
During Friday’s proceedings, counsel to the defendant informed the court that efforts were already being made to settle the dispute outside the courtroom. The lawyer disclosed that his client had refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and requested a brief adjournment to facilitate discussions regarding the outstanding balance.
Addressing the court, the defence counsel stated that the complainant had indicated a willingness to reconsider the matter if the remaining balance was paid. He urged the court to grant more time for both parties to reach an amicable resolution.
However, counsel representing the EFCC opposed the request, insisting that the matter before the court remained a criminal case instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and not a private dispute between individuals. The prosecution stressed that regardless of any repayment or ongoing settlement talks, the arraignment must proceed in accordance with the law.
The EFCC lawyer further urged the court to direct the defendant to take her plea, noting that discussions between the parties could continue independently without interfering with the judicial process.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu agreed that both parties were free to continue settlement discussions while the matter remained before the court. The judge, however, maintained that such negotiations would not stop the criminal proceedings from moving forward and subsequently directed that the charges be read to the defendant.
After the two-count charge was read in open court, Blessing, the CEO pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against her by the EFCC.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant to a correctional facility pending the trial’s commencement. In response, the defence counsel informed the court that the charges had only been served on them a day earlier and that preparations for a formal bail application were still ongoing. He therefore appealed to the court to allow his client to remain in EFCC custody temporarily instead of being transferred to a correctional centre.
Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the EFCC pending further proceedings. The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
