Blessing CEO Lands in EFCC Custody Over Alleged N36m Real Estate Scam.

LAGOS – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the remand of popular social media influencer Okoro Nkiruka, better known as Blessing CEO, over accusations that she defrauded someone of N36 million.

According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency on Friday, Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on two charges: obtaining money under false pretenses and stealing.

The trouble started, the EFCC says, between July 14 and 17, 2024, when the influencer allegedly collected N36 million from a woman named Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye. The money was meant to lease a six-bedroom duplex in the upscale Lekki area of Lagos. Prosecutors claim the entire property deal was a lie and that Blessing CEO knew it. They also accuse her of simply pocketing the cash for personal use.

In court, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, tried to soft-pedal things, telling the judge that his client had already paid back N24 million of the N36 million to the woman who reported the case. He asked for a short break so both sides could try to settle the remaining N12 million out of court, adding that the complainant had hinted she might ask the EFCC to drop the matter if the full amount was refunded.

But the prosecution, led by S.I. Suleiman, wasn't having it. He argued that the real complainant in the case is the Federal Government of Nigeria, not just the individual involved. The prosecution also said it was never informed of any private settlement talks.

Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution, ruling that any discussions between Blessing CEO and the complainant would not stop the court proceedings. He ordered that her plea be taken immediately.

After she pleaded not guilty, the prosecution asked for a trial date and requested that she be held in a correctional facility. Her defence team, however, asked the judge to keep her in EFCC custody instead, explaining that she had just been served the charges and was still working on her bail application.

The judge granted that request. Blessing CEO was remanded in EFCC custody, and the case was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the start of trial.