Social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known online as Blessing CEO, has been brought before a Lagos Federal High Court by the EFCC over claims of ₦36 million fraud.

She was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu in Ikoyi on two counts bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and theft. According to the EFCC, she allegedly collected ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, after promising to lease her a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki — a deal prosecutors say never existed.

At the hearing, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that ₦24 million had already been refunded to the petitioner. He asked for a brief adjournment to sort out the remaining balance, saying the complainant was open to asking the EFCC to drop the case once payment was complete.

The prosecution, led by S.I. Suleiman, pushed back, arguing that the case was between the Federal Government and the defendant, and that any private arrangement couldn’t stop the trial. Justice Dipeolu agreed, ruling that settlement talks could continue but wouldn’t interfere with court proceedings.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty. The court granted her counsel’s request to remand her in EFCC custody until bail conditions were met. The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for trial.