Social media influencer and relationship commentator Okoro Blessing Nkiruka has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N36 million fraud case in Lagos.
The influencer, also known as Blessing CEO, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi after the EFCC filed two charges linked to alleged false pretence and stealing. Prosecutors said the alleged offences involved a property transaction in Lekki, Lagos. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the court session, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor told the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant and was seeking time to settle the remaining balance.
He said, “The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.”
Nwafor also asked the court for a short adjournment to allow both parties continue discussions over the outstanding amount.
But prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman said the EFCC was not part of any settlement talks between the defendant and the petitioner.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that any discussion between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the court process and directed that the plea should proceed.
According to the charges, the EFCC alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the claim that the money was for the lease of a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki.
The anti-graft agency also accused her of converting the money for personal use.
After the plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, said the charge had only been served recently and asked that the defendant remain in EFCC custody while her bail application is prepared.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody. The case was adjourned until June 5 for trial.
Ademide Adebayo
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