Social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Blessing CEO has been remanded in EFCC custody after pleading not guilty to a N36 million fraud charge.
Okoro Blessing Nkiruka appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Friday. The EFCC arraigned her on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
Prosecutors allege she collected N36 million from Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki. The EFCC says the claim was false.
In court, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, said she had refunded N24 million to the complainant and asked for a short adjournment to settle the balance. He said the complainant agreed to ask the EFCC to drop the case if the rest was paid.
The prosecution objected, saying the complainant is the Federal Government and the matter should proceed.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defence and the complainant could continue but would not stop the arraignment. Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.
The defence said she was only served the charge on May 14 and asked that she be remanded in EFCC custody while her bail application is filed. The judge granted the request.
She will remain in EFCC custody until trial starts on June 5, 2026.
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