From Social Media To Courtroom: Blessing CEO Remanded, Charges Leave Fans Stunned

Controversial relationship commentator Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The order was issued by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, following her arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on Friday.

Blessing CEO was brought before the court on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing involving ₦36 million.

At the start of proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the money in dispute had already been refunded to the petitioner.

According to the defence counsel, the defendant had returned ₦24 million out of the ₦36 million and was seeking a brief adjournment to settle the outstanding balance.

He further stated that the nominal complainant had allegedly indicated willingness to encourage the EFCC to discontinue the matter once full repayment was made.

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, argued that the Federal Government was the actual complainant in the case and maintained that any private discussions between the defendant and the petitioner were separate from the court proceedings.

He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and take the defendant’s plea.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that any negotiation between the parties would not affect the ongoing proceedings, stressing that the defendant must first enter her plea before the court.

One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

Another charge accused her of converting the same amount for personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.

However, her counsel informed the court that the charges had only been served on the defendant a day earlier and that efforts were already underway to perfect her bail application.

He therefore requested that she be kept in EFCC custody pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody, while adjourning the case until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.