Blessing CEO Remanded In EFCC Custody Over Alleged Financial Crimes (See Details)

Controversial relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her arraignment over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.

According to Ireporter Online, the decision was delivered by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, after she was docked on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, where she was accused of allegedly receiving ₦36 million from a complainant, identified as Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos. The anti-graft agency further alleged that the transaction was fraudulent and in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, as well as provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

During proceedings, her counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that a portion of the disputed funds had already been refunded, stating that efforts were ongoing to settle the remaining balance. He urged the court for a brief adjournment to allow for possible resolution, noting that discussions with the complainant were still in progress.

However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the matter before the court involved the Federal Government of Nigeria and that the defendant should take her plea without delay.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that negotiations between parties could continue even while the case was ongoing, but maintained that the defendant must enter her plea. Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded pending trial, while her defence counsel applied for her to remain in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail application. The court granted the request and ordered that she be held in EFCC custody.

The case has been adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial proceedings.