The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on Friday arraigned social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing CEO (Okoro Blessing Nkiruka), before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged N36 million fraud.
She was docked on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
During proceedings, her counsel informed the court that she had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested time to settle the outstanding balance, arguing that this could lead to an out-of-court resolution. However, the prosecution insisted that the matter was between the defendant and the Federal Government and urged the court to proceed with her plea.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between parties could continue without affecting the trial and ordered the defendant to take her plea.
One of the counts alleged that she obtained N36 million from a complainant under the false claim of leasing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos, while another count accused her of unlawfully converting the funds for personal use.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, while the defence sought time to file a bail application, noting she had only just been served the charge.
The court ordered her remand in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.