Blessing CEO Remanded in EFCC Custody Over Alleged ₦36 Million Fraud

Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.

The self-styled relationship therapist was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency also accused her of fraudulently converting the funds to her personal use.

At the commencement of proceedings, her counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that the defendant had refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow settlement of the outstanding ₦12 million.

The defence argued that the complainant had indicated a willingness to ask the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the balance was paid.

However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman said the Federal Government of Nigeria, not the nominal complainant, was the actual complainant in the case and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.

Justice Dipeolu agreed, ruling that any private discussions between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the court proceedings.

After the charges were read, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.

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Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded pending trial. Her counsel informed the court that she had only been served with the charges on Thursday and that efforts were underway to file a bail application. He subsequently asked that she be held in EFCC custody rather than a correctional centre.

The judge granted the request and ordered that she remain in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

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