Popular social media personality and relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case in Lagos.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Friday. According to the EFCC, she is facing a two-count charge linked to alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
Defence Says Part of Money Has Been Refunded
During the court session, Blessing CEO’s lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had already refunded part of the money involved in the case.
The lawyer stated that N24 million out of the alleged N36 million had been returned to the complainant. He also requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the remaining balance outside court.
According to him, the complainant was willing to consider dropping the matter if the outstanding payment was completed.
EFCC Insists Case Must Continue
However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, disagreed with the defence position. He told the court that the Federal Government was the main complainant in the matter and not part of any private settlement discussion.
The prosecutor insisted that the arraignment should proceed and urged the court to allow the defendant take her plea.
Judge Gives Ruling
Justice Dipeolu later ruled that discussions between the defence and the complainant would not stop the court process from continuing.
The judge explained that both sides were free to negotiate while the case remained before the court, adding that Blessing CEO would still be required to enter her plea.
The case has continued to attract reactions online as many followers of the influencer expressed surprise over the allegations.
