The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was brought before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on charges of obtaining money by false pretense and stealing.
The charges stem from a complaint filed by a petitioner, Mrs. Rosemary Ego-Osagiede, who alleged that the social media therapist defrauded her in a property transaction located in the highbrow Lekki area of Lagos.
Blessing CEO Allegations
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly collected the sum under the pretense of facilitating the purchase of a property for the petitioner. After the payment was made, the influencer reportedly failed to deliver the property or refund the money.
The EFCC stated that the actions violated Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The prosecutor informed the court that the defendant engaged in conduct that was likely to cause grievous financial loss to the petitioner, which necessitated the intervention of the anti-graft agency.
Attempt to Settle
During the court proceedings, Blessing CEO’s legal counsel informed the court that the matter might be resolved. The lawyer told Justice Ogundare that the defendant had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner and requested more time to enable her client to settle the remaining balance.
However, the EFCC prosecution counsel stood firm, arguing that the matter was between the defendant and the Federal Government of Nigeria, not a private arrangement between the defendant and the nominal complainant.
The EFCC maintained that once a crime is reported and formal charges are filed, the state becomes the principal complainant, and the defendant cannot simply “settle” their way out of a criminal trial.
Plea and Remand
Following the prosecution’s insistence, the court ordered that the arraignment proceed. The charge sheet was read to the social media influencer, and she pleaded “not guilty” to the two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretense and stealing .
After her plea, the prosecution counsel asked the court for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility. However, the defense lawyer appealed to the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, arguing that she is a nursing mother.
Justice Ogundare granted Blessing CEO bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have evidence of tax payment for the last three years, verified addresses within the court’s jurisdiction, and the addresses must be submitted to the court for verification.
However, following the ruling, the court ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions, as the defense counsel requested time to process the necessary paperwork.
Public Persona Under Scrutiny
Blessing CEO is a prominent figure on social media, known for giving blunt advice on relationships and family matters. She has a significant following and has previously been involved in high-profile controversies, including a legal battle with the family of the late business mogul Okezie Osuofia, which made headlines in 2023.
This recent arrest and arraignment mark a significant fall from grace for the influencer, who has often positioned herself as a moral authority on social and domestic issues.
The EFCC’s decision to prosecute her for alleged financial fraud confirms that the agency is extending its scrutiny beyond traditional political and corporate figures to include high-profile social media personalities. The case has been adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.