The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday,brought a social media personality, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged fraud involving N36 million.
She was arraigned before Justice D. I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and conversion of funds.
During proceedings, defence counsel, P. I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the disputed funds had been returned to the complainant.
He told the court that N24 million had already been refunded and requested an adjournment to allow parties conclude negotiations over the outstanding balance, noting that efforts were ongoing toward possible settlement.
However, the prosecution counsel, S. I. Suleiman, opposed the request, stating that the Federal Government remained the nominal complainant and that the matter before the court was arraignment.
He urged the court to proceed with the defendant’s plea.
In his ruling, Justice D. I. Dipeolu held that discussions between parties could continue even while proceedings were ongoing, but maintained that the defendant must take her plea.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant was alleged to have received N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, for the lease of a property in Lekki, Lagos, an arrangement prosecutors claimed was false.
She was also accused of unlawfully converting the said sum to personal use.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act as well as the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
Her counsel, however, urged the court to allow her remain in EFCC custody while bail arrangements were being concluded, noting that the charge had only been served a day earlier.
Justice Dipeolu ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
