EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Lagos Property Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned social media personality and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud linked to a property transaction in Lekki.

Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor told the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance.

He added that the complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the anti-graft agency to discontinue the matter if full repayment was made.

However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman maintained that the Federal Government, not the nominal complainant, was the actual complainant in the case and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently ruled that discussions between the defendant and the complainant could continue alongside the court proceedings and directed that the charges be read.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Following her plea, the prosecution sought a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.

The defence, however, argued that the charges were only served on the defendant a day earlier and requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

The court granted the request and ordered that the defendant remain in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.