The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned popular social media influencer, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the EFCC, she is facing a two count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing involving N36 million.
During the proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor told the court that the defendant had already refunded part of the money to the petitioner.
“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 defendant and the petitioner.
“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 D.I. Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not stop the criminal proceedings before the court.
“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.
According to one of the charges, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The EFCC alleged that the claim was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another charge accused her of fraudulently converting the money for personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
