Fresh Update Surfaces In Blessing CEO’s ₦36 Million Fraud Case

According to IReporter Online, Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO.

The court adjourned the decision to June 9, 2026, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel on Friday.

Blessing CEO is currently standing trial on a two-count charge filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on allegations of obtaining money by false pretence and theft involving ₦36 million.

Prosecutors told the court that the defendant allegedly received ₦36 million from a petitioner with the claim that she could facilitate the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. The EFCC maintained that the representation was false and that the funds were subsequently converted for personal use.

During earlier proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and requested additional time to negotiate the settlement of the outstanding balance. However, the prosecution argued that any private settlement would not terminate the criminal proceedings, noting that the Federal Government remains the complainant in the case.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that such discussions could proceed alongside the trial and directed the defendant to take her plea. Blessing CEO was subsequently arraigned on charges alleging that between July 14 and July 17, 2024, she obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a property lease in Lekki and allegedly converted the funds for personal use.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and sought her remand in custody pending hearing. The defence team, however, noted that the charges had just been served and stated that efforts were ongoing to perfect her bail application.

The court ordered that she be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending further proceedings and adjourned the matter. At Friday’s hearing, counsel from both sides argued the bail application, after which Justice Dipeolu reserved ruling until June 9, 2026.