ALLEGED N36M FRAUD: EFCC ARRAIGNS BLESSING CEO IN LAGOS COURT OVER FRAUD CHARGES, PLEADS NOT GUILTY
Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second
By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, on Friday, May 15, 2026, brought a social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka (popularly known as Blessing CEO), before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and theft involving the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira).
At the start of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that the defendant had already refunded part of the disputed funds to the complainant. He informed the court that N24 million had been returned out of the alleged N36 million, and requested a short adjournment to allow the parties settle the remaining balance. According to him, the complainant had indicated willingness to withdraw the case if the outstanding amount is paid.
However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, objected, stating that the prosecution was not involved in any private settlement discussions. He maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria is the nominal complainant and insisted that the defendant should take her plea as scheduled.
In his ruling, Justice D.I. Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the complainant could continue even while the charge is pending and would not hinder the court proceedings. He then directed the defendant to enter her plea.
One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, Nkiruka obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false claim of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, a representation she allegedly knew to be false, contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another count accused her of unlawfully converting the same sum to her personal use, an offence said to be contrary to Sections 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. Defence counsel, however, noted that she had only just been served with the charge the previous day and said a bail application was being prepared. He therefore urged the court to remand her in EFCC custody pending the determination of bail.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be held in EFCC custody. The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0