Social Media Personality and Company Head Detained for Alleged 36 Million Naira Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disclosed on Friday that a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, had ordered the detention of social media influencer Okoro Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, due to allegations of N36m fraud.

n

The commission's Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 had arraigned the defendant before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge related to obtaining money by false pretence and stealing, as stated in a statement obtained.

n

When the charges were read to her, the defendant pleaded not guilty, according to the EFCC, which also noted that defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court of the defendant's refund of N24m to the nominal complainant.

n

The defence counsel requested a short adjournment to allow both parties to settle the outstanding balance, citing that the defendant had already refunded N24m out of the N36m and sought to resolve the remaining amount.

n

Prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman, however, stated that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and that the prosecution was unaware of any arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner.

n

The court ruled that any discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the proceedings and directed the defendant to enter her plea, as noted in the statement.

n

The EFCC alleged that the defendant obtained N36 million from Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos, which she knew to be false.

n

Another count accused the defendant of fraudulently converting the said sum to personal use, according to the commission.

n

Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial, while the defence counsel urged the court to remand her in EFCC custody.

n

Justice Dipeolu granted the defence counsel's request and ordered the defendant to be remanded in EFCC custody.

n

The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial, as stated in the statement.