Social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Blessing CEO has been arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of arranging the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located on Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
During the proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor told the court that the defendant had refunded part of the money to the complainant.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer said.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case.”
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the EFCC was not involved in any private settlement discussions between the parties.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Suleiman told the court.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu said discussions between the defendant and the complainant would not stop the criminal proceedings.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. Her lawyer, however, said the defence had only just received the charges and was still preparing a bail application.
The defence subsequently asked the court to allow the defendant remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody until further proceedings.
The case was adjourned for the commencement of trial.
