The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has charged Blessing CEO, a self-acclaimed relationship therapist and social media influencer, with N36 million fraud.
The commission arraigned Okoro Blessing Nkiruka before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday.
In a statement shared on its website, the EFCC revealed that she faces two charges related to allegedly stealing N36 million and collecting money under false pretences.
Defence attorney P.I. Nwafor told the court during the proceedings that the defendant had already given the petitioner a portion of the money back.
The lawyer said, “We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.
“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.”
S.I. Suleiman, the prosecutor, however countered that the anti-graft office was not involved in any private settlement negotiations between the petitioner and the defendant.
Charges Levelled on Blessing CEO
One of the charges alleges that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretence of renting a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
She was also charged under the Criminal Code Act for allegedly converting the money to her personal use. Blessing CEO however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
However, her attorney informed the court that the defence was still working on a bail application and had only received the charges on Thursday.
He then asked the court to keep the defendant in EFCC custody until she meets her bail conditions.
BACKSTORY…
Blessing CEO is widely known for her controversial lifestyle, social media posts, and advice to women.
She had earlier made headlines over cancer claims. CEO earlier claimed she was battling stage 4 cancer and even sought financial support for treatment.
The social media personality later deactivated her social media accounts amid the controversy surrounding her health claims. Her partner, IVD, also went offline around the same time.
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