Blessing CEO Arraigned by EFCC Over Alleged N36m Fraud

Popular social media personality and relationship commentator, Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.

Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC.

According to the anti-graft agency, she is facing a two-count charge linked to alleged obtaining by false pretence and fraudulent conversion of funds.

Alleged ₦36 Million Property Deal

The EFCC alleged that Blessing CEO collected ₦36 million from a woman identified as Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024.

Investigators claim the money was obtained under the representation that it was meant for leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at:

No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.

According to the prosecution, the representation was allegedly false and falls under offences outlined in the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The commission also accused her of allegedly converting the money for personal use.

Defence Says ₦24m Has Been Refunded

During proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the money had already been returned to the petitioner.

According to him:

“The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded ₦24 million out of the ₦36 million.”

The defence further requested a short adjournment to allow both parties discuss settlement of the outstanding balance.

Nwafor added that the complainant had allegedly indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the remaining balance was paid.

EFCC Rejects Private Settlement Argument

However, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, maintained that any private arrangement between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the criminal proceedings.

According to him:

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment.”

The prosecution insisted that the matter before the court was criminal in nature and that the defendant should first take her plea.

Court Orders Remand in EFCC Custody

Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defendant and the complainant could continue separately without affecting the court proceedings.

Following the ruling, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution then asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.

However, her legal team explained that they had only just received the charges and were still preparing a formal bail application.

The defence subsequently requested that she remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.

The court granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Growing Public Attention Around Blessing CEO

The development comes amid increasing public scrutiny surrounding Blessing CEO in recent weeks, especially across social media platforms where several controversies involving fundraising claims and alleged misrepresentation have continued to trend.

While reactions online remain divided, the court proceedings now officially move the matter beyond internet debates and into formal legal territory.

For now, the case remains before the court, and all allegations are yet to be proven.