A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, who is standing trial over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The defendant, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the latest development in a statement released on Friday through its official X account, stating that Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned ruling on the bail application until June 9, 2026.
According to the EFCC, the court will on that date determine whether the popular social media personality should be granted bail pending the continuation of her trial.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of Blessing CEO’s popularity on social media, where she has built a large following through relationship advice, lifestyle discussions and commentary on celebrity issues.
In its statement, the EFCC said the defendant is facing a two-count charge relating to alleged fraud involving N36 million.
The commission alleged that Blessing CEO obtained the money from a woman identified as Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under false pretences.
According to the charges before the court, the alleged offence took place between July 14 and July 17, 2024.
The EFCC claimed that the defendant collected the money from the complainant on the representation that she could secure the lease of a six-bedroom duplex located in the upscale Lekki area of Lagos.
The commission maintains that the representation was false and that the money was obtained through deception.
Prosecutors have insisted that the allegations amount to criminal offences and should therefore be fully prosecuted in court.
During previous proceedings, counsel to the defendant informed the court that efforts were being made to resolve the dispute between the parties.
The defence also disclosed that N24 million had already been refunded to the complainant.
Based on this development, the defence team urged the court to allow additional time for discussions aimed at settling the outstanding balance.
The lawyers argued that an amicable resolution could help bring an end to the matter.
However, the EFCC strongly opposed any attempt to halt the criminal proceedings on the basis of a private settlement.
The commission argued that criminal allegations involving fraud are matters of public interest and should be determined by the court regardless of any negotiations between the parties.
According to the anti-graft agency, the refund of part of the money does not automatically erase the alleged offence or remove the need for prosecution.
The EFCC therefore urged the court to allow the trial to continue in accordance with the law.
Justice Dipeolu agreed with the position that the criminal proceedings should not be suspended because of ongoing settlement talks.
In an earlier ruling, the judge held that private negotiations could not stop the prosecution from pursuing the case.
The court subsequently directed that the trial should continue and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The latest hearing focused mainly on the application seeking her release on bail.
After listening to arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Dipeolu reserved his decision and fixed June 9 for ruling.
Until then, Blessing CEO is expected to remain in custody.
The case has generated widespread discussion on social media, where supporters and critics have continued to debate the allegations.
Some followers have called for patience and urged the public to allow the judicial process to take its course, while others have argued that the allegations should be thoroughly investigated and determined by the court.
Under Nigerian law, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The issue of bail is separate from the determination of guilt or innocence.
Courts generally consider factors such as the nature of the allegations, the likelihood of the defendant appearing for trial, and the possibility of interference with witnesses before deciding whether to grant bail.
The EFCC has in recent years intensified its prosecution of cases involving alleged fraud, cybercrime, money laundering and other financial offences.
The commission frequently stresses that financial crimes undermine public trust and economic development and must be addressed through effective enforcement of the law.
High-profile cases involving celebrities, public figures and social media personalities have also become more common, often attracting significant public interest.
For Blessing CEO, the upcoming ruling on her bail application will determine whether she can continue to defend herself from outside custody while the trial proceeds.
As the case unfolds, attention remains focused on the Federal High Court in Lagos, where both the prosecution and defence are expected to continue presenting their arguments.