Popular social media influencer and relationship adviser, Blessing CEO, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud involving a property transaction in Lekki.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing of N36 million.
The case has attracted public attention because of the influencer’s strong presence on social media, where she is widely known for giving relationship advice, commenting on celebrity issues and sharing controversial opinions that often spark debate online.
During Friday’s proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded part of the money linked to the case.
According to the defence counsel, Blessing CEO had paid back N24 million out of the N36 million allegedly collected from the complainant.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer told the court.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he added.
However, counsel to the EFCC, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request and insisted that the criminal proceedings should continue regardless of any private settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment,” the prosecutor said.
“We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he added.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution and held that private discussions between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the court process.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
After the ruling, the charges were read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.
According to court documents presented by the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024.
The commission alleged that the money was collected under the claim that it was meant for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The EFCC told the court that the representation was false and amounted to an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second charge accused the influencer of allegedly converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
Following her not guilty plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
Her lawyer, however, informed the court that the defence team had only received the charges on Thursday and was still preparing a formal bail application.
The defence counsel then requested that the defendant be kept in EFCC custody instead of being sent to prison while efforts were being made to perfect her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The matter was later adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case has once again placed the spotlight on the activities of social media influencers and celebrities in Nigeria, especially as law enforcement agencies continue to investigate fraud and financial crimes involving online personalities.
Over the years, the EFCC has intensified efforts against cybercrime, internet fraud and financial scams, particularly cases involving high-profile individuals whose lifestyles and online influence attract public attention.
Social media influencers in Nigeria have become powerful voices with millions of followers across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X. Many use their popularity to promote businesses, offer advice, advertise products or build personal brands.
However, critics have often raised concerns over accountability in the growing influencer industry, especially where financial dealings and business transactions are involved.
Blessing CEO herself is no stranger to controversy. She has repeatedly made headlines for her outspoken views on relationships, marriage, celebrity lifestyles and family matters.
Her comments on sensitive issues have earned her both loyal supporters and strong critics online. In some cases, her social media posts have sparked heated debates across the country.
This is not the first time the influencer has faced legal trouble. In previous years, she was involved in public disputes connected to property ownership claims and online controversies that drew attention from both the media and security agencies.
The latest fraud charges are likely to further increase public scrutiny around her activities and business dealings.
Under Nigerian law, offences involving fraud are considered crimes against the state, meaning that even if a complainant agrees to settle, the government can still continue prosecution if it believes a crime has been committed.
This position was reflected in the ruling delivered by Justice Dipeolu, who stressed that discussions between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the court process.
As the case moves to trial next month, attention will focus on whether the EFCC can prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt and whether the defence can successfully challenge the charges before the court.
For now, the influencer remains in EFCC custody while awaiting the next hearing in a case that has once again highlighted the intersection between celebrity culture, social media influence and Nigeria’s ongoing fight against financial crime.