The trial of controversial social media personality and relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been adjourned until July 20 after she failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, due to illness.
The case is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has charged Blessing CEO with a two-count allegation bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving ₦36 million. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
When the matter came up for hearing, the defence informed the court that the defendant was unable to attend proceedings because she was ill. Following the explanation, the court adjourned the trial to July 20 to allow proceedings to continue.
The case stems from allegations that Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained ₦36 million from a complainant in connection with a property transaction and subsequently converted the funds for personal use. The EFCC maintains that the representations made to the complainant were false and constituted offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act as well as the Criminal Code Act.
The social media influencer was first arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in May, where she denied the allegations. The court later granted her bail while the trial continued.
The case is expected to resume on July 20, when the court will continue hearing the prosecution’s case, subject to the defendant’s appearance.
