Social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO, whose real name is Ms. Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation was false.

During the proceedings, defence counsel, Mr. P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million out of the disputed N36 million to the petitioner.

He subsequently sought a short adjournment to allow for the settlement of the outstanding balance, adding that the complainant had agreed to prevail on the EFCC to discontinue the case once full payment was made.

However, prosecuting counsel, Mr. S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, arguing that the complainant in the matter was the Federal Government of Nigeria and that the EFCC was not a party to any private settlement arrangement.

“We urge the court to allow the defendant to take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Suleiman said.

Justice Dipeolu upheld the prosecution’s argument, ruling that any arrangement between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the criminal proceedings before the court.

Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Her counsel thereafter requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions, a request the court granted.

The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.