Popular social media personality and relationship influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦36 million real estate fraud.
The influencer was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offence occurred between July 14 and July 17, 2024, involving a transaction linked to a property in Lekki area of Lagos.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Blessing CEO falsely represented to the complainant, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, that she could secure a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki.
Prosecutors told the court that the representation was allegedly false and that the ₦36 million paid by the complainant was unlawfully converted for personal use.
The charges were filed under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, as well as relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had allegedly refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and was making efforts to settle the remaining balance.
The defence further requested a short adjournment to allow room for possible settlement discussions between both parties.
However, counsel to the EFCC, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, arguing that the commission was unaware of any settlement arrangement and stressing that the matter remained a criminal case involving the Federal Government.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that private discussions between the parties would not stop the court process from continuing.
Following the ruling, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her legal team subsequently asked the court to remand her in EFCC custody pending the filing and hearing of a formal bail application, stating that they had only recently been served with the charges.
The judge granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for further proceedings and commencement of trial.
The development marks another major controversy involving the influencer, whose public profile and online activities have frequently attracted widespread public attention.
