EFCC Drags Blessing CEO To Court Over Fresh N69.1m Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, better known as Blessing CEO, before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over an alleged N69.15 million fraud.

The defendant was brought before Justice R.A. Oshodi by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining of money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the charges stem from an alleged fraud involving the sum of N69,150,000, which the commission claims was unlawfully obtained by the defendant.

At the commencement of proceedings, prosecuting counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, maintaining that the defendant had been properly served with the charge sheet ahead of the hearing.

“The defendant has been duly served with the charge, and we are ready to proceed with the arraignment,” Okezie told the court.

However, defence counsel Nkama Nneka challenged the prosecution's position, informing the court that service of the charge had only been effected recently.

“The service of the charge was only recently carried out,” the defence lawyer argued while addressing the court.

After listening to both parties, Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment should go ahead in line with the provisions of the law.

“The arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law,” the judge held.

Following the ruling, the charges were read to Blessing CEO in open court, formally bringing her before the court to answer to the allegations.

The latest development marks another legal hurdle for the social media personality, whose activities and public commentary on relationships have attracted significant attention online over the years.

Separately, the court was reported to have granted the defendant bail in another matter on conditions including a N10 million bond, though proceedings in the N69.15 million fraud case remain ongoing.