Nigerian influencer Blessing CEO arraigned on fraud charges

A Nigerian social media influencer and a couple accused of defrauding a widow have been arraigned in separate court proceedings this week, while the country's anti-corruption agency continues investigations into alleged illicit cash transactions. The cases highlight ongoing legal actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) across several states.

On Wednesday, June 10, social media influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned before Justice Yelim Bogoro at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The EFCC presented a fresh six-count charge related to obtaining money by false pretence and retaining fraudulent proceeds, involving an alleged 13 million naira fraud. The charges stem from petitions, including one from the Nigeria Cancer Society, alleging she solicited public donations by falsely claiming on social media to have Stage 4 breast cancer and presenting a falsified medical document. She pleaded not guilty. The court ordered her remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

This arraignment followed two other court appearances for the influencer earlier in the week. On Tuesday, June 9,...