The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 15, 2026, arraigned social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as “Blessing CEO,” before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. She faces a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million.
According to the EFCC, Nkiruka allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false claim of leasing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos. The commission also alleges she fraudulently converted the funds for personal use, contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Criminal Code Act. Nkiruka pleaded not guilty to both charges.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to settle the balance. He said the complainant had agreed to ask the EFCC to withdraw the case once payment is completed. Prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, stating the EFCC was not party to any private arrangement and urged the court to proceed.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the parties could continue but would not stop the trial. He ordered the defendant to take her plea and, after her not guilty plea, remanded her in EFCC custody pending her bail application. The case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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