May 15, 2026
- Popular social media influencer Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of obtaining N36 million under false pretences.
- The arraignment followed charges of alleged fraud and conversion of the funds for personal use, linked to a purported property lease in Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 brought Blessing CEO before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge. The prosecution alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, she obtained N36 million from petitioner Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, claiming it was for leasing a six-bedroom duplex, knowing the claim was false. The second count accuses her of dishonestly converting the funds for personal use.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that Blessing CEO had refunded N24 million and sought a short adjournment to resolve the remaining balance. The prosecution, led by S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting the case is a criminal matter, not a private dispute.
Justice Dipeolu allowed settlement discussions to continue but ordered Blessing CEO to enter her plea. The influencer pleaded not guilty to both counts. She was subsequently remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings, while the trial was adjourned to June 5, 2026.
Blessing CEO has previously been involved in controversies, including earlier claims about battling cancer and soliciting public donations, which later came under scrutiny regarding their authenticity.
