Blessing CEO Arraigned for 36 Million Naira Fraud

Lagos social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing totaling 36 million naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, accused Blessing CEO of collecting the sum from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024. Prosecutors alleged she obtained the money under the false representation of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road in Lekki, Lagos, knowing the claim to be untrue. This violated Section 13 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006. The second count charged her with fraudulently converting the 36 million naira to her own use, contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. At the start of proceedings, her counsel, P.I. Nwafor, requested a short adjournment, informing the court that...