The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for an alleged fraud of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).
Blessing CEO was arraigned on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, before Justice R.A. Oshodi on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000.
The arraignment proceeded despite an objection raised by the defence. At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge. However, defence counsel Nkama Nneka informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected, an argument that appeared to suggest the defence had not had sufficient time to prepare.
Justice Oshodi, in a ruling on the preliminary issue, held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law. The charges were subsequently read to the defendant.
The two-count charge accuses Blessing CEO of obtaining the sum of N69,150,000 by false pretence and stealing. The charges are brought under the relevant provisions of the criminal law governing obtaining money by false pretence and theft, offences that carry significant prison terms upon conviction.
The first count of obtaining money by false pretence typically involves making a representation known to be false with the intention of inducing another person to part with money or property. The second count of stealing involves the fraudulent taking or conversion of another person’s property.
The specific details of the alleged fraud, including the identity of the complainant, the manner in which the funds were allegedly obtained, and the period over which the alleged offences occurred, are expected to emerge as the prosecution presents its case during trial.
The EFCC’s description of the arraignment as having “again arraigned” Blessing CEO indicates that this is not the first time the influencer has faced criminal charges brought by the anti-graft agency. The fresh N69.15 million charge represents a separate matter from any previous proceedings, suggesting that the EFCC has identified additional allegations of financial misconduct beyond whatever formed the basis of earlier charges.
The pattern of multiple arraignments suggests that the commission’s investigation into Blessing CEO’s financial activities has yielded evidence across multiple transactions or complainants, each generating separate charges.
Her social media prominence made her one of the most recognisable influencer brands in Nigeria’s digital entertainment space, a status that has made her prosecution by the EFCC a high-profile case that has attracted significant public attention.
The case is expected to proceed to trial before Justice Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, with the prosecution presenting evidence to support the two-count charge. The defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses and present its own case.
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja is one of the dedicated courts in Lagos State that handles cases involving financial crimes, fraud, and other serious offences. Cases before the court typically involve detailed examination of financial records, witness testimony, and documentary evidence.
The terms of bail, if any has been granted in this particular matter, and the next adjourned date for trial are expected to be communicated by the court in due course.
The EFCC has in recent years intensified its prosecution of social media influencers and public figures accused of fraud, as part of a broader campaign against internet fraud and financial crimes. The commission has argued that the prosecution of high-profile individuals sends a deterrent message and demonstrates that no one is above the law regardless of their social media following or public profile.
Neither Blessing CEO nor her legal team has issued a public statement on the charges as at the time of this report. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned by Justice Oshodi for the commencement of trial. The matter is being prosecuted by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.
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