Social media influencer and relationship commentator Blessing CEO has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦36 million fraud linked to a property transaction in Lagos.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 15, 2026.
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the claim that the money was for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The anti-corruption agency charged her with obtaining money by false pretense and fraudulent conversion of funds.
One of the charges stated:
“That you, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did obtain the sum of ₦36,000,000 from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretense of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex… which representation you knew to be false.”
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
During proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that she had refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and requested time to settle the remaining balance.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded ₦24 million out of the ₦36 million,” Nwafor said.
He added that the complainant had agreed to seek withdrawal of the case if the outstanding balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman told the court that the matter was now a criminal case involving the Federal Government.
“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 said.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that any settlement discussion between the defendant and the complainant would not stop court proceedings.
The judge ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions. The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for trial.
The court case comes weeks after the influencer faced criticism online over claims that she had stage 4 cancer. In April, Nigerians allegedly donated around ₦13 million after she appealed for support over her health.
After questions were raised on social media, she later said there had been a “miscommunication” regarding the cancer claim.
Blessing CEO also received criticism earlier this week after making remarks about the late Alex Ekubo during an online discussion.
“The reason why cancer has not shrunk me like Alex is that I have tough skin,” she said.
The statement drew negative reactions from many social media users, who described it as insensitive.
Some users criticized her public image and questioned her credibility as a relationship adviser. One X user wrote that since joining social media, Blessing CEO had “always been trending for the wrong reasons.”
Another user described her as “fraudulent, deceptive, and lacking empathy,” while others expressed disappointment that someone who built a large online audience had repeatedly become involved in controversies.
Some reactions also focused on the conduct of the EFCC. An X user wrote that although he did not support the allegations against Blessing CEO, he believed the anti-corruption agency appeared to handle cases involving ordinary citizens more quickly than cases involving politically exposed.
