The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud. She was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday at the Ikoyi division of the court on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged theft.
According to the prosecution, Blessing CEO allegedly received N36 million from a complainant under the guise of securing the lease of a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, but the deal was later discovered to be fraudulent. At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million and requested an adjournment to allow for settlement of the outstanding balance.
He further disclosed that the complainant was willing to withdraw the matter if the remaining amount was fully paid. However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government is the principal complainant in the case and that the arraignment should proceed as scheduled. In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that while both parties were free to continue settlement discussions, the court would proceed with the formal arraignment. The defendant subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.Following her plea, the court ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending trial.The matter was adjourned until June 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings.
Source: https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/
