EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO over fresh alleged N69.15m fraud, remands influencer

n n

Popular social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N69.15 million fraud.

n

The influencer was brought before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

n

At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge.

n

However, defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected. In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, after which the charges were read to the defendant.

n

According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to part with N69.15 million by claiming ownership of a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, which she purportedly leased to the company for five years.

n

The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation was false and made with the intent to defraud. The second count accused her of dishonestly converting the N69.15 million belonging to the company to her personal use.

n

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Following her plea, Okezie requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 10, 2026, in connection with another alleged fraud case.

n

Justice Oshodi subsequently remanded Blessing CEO in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and the commencement of trial.

n

In a related development, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, granted the influencer bail on Tuesday in a separate N36 million fraud case.

n

The court admitted her to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a family member and is required to provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number.

n

The sureties are also expected to submit a valid international passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs. Blessing CEO had earlier been arraigned by the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving an alleged N36 million fraud.

n n