Social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been granted bail in an alleged N36 million fraud case but was remanded in EFCC custody over a separate N69.15 million fraud allegation.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the influencer before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, stating that the defendant had been properly served. Defence counsel Nkama Nneka, however, argued that service had only been effected recently.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, after which the charges were read to the defendant.
The first count alleged that Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained N69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited by claiming ownership of a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, and leasing it to the company for five years, a representation the prosecution said was false.
The second count accused her of dishonestly converting the N69.15 million belonging to the company for personal use.
The influencer pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in EFCC custody, noting that she was scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on June 10, 2026, in connection with another alleged fraud case.
The judge granted the request, ordering her remand in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.
Earlier on Tuesday, Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi granted Blessing CEO bail in a separate case involving an alleged N36 million fraud.
She was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that one of the sureties must be a family member and provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number.
The sureties are also required to submit valid international passports, tax clearance certificates for the previous two years, and six passport photographs each.
The influencer had earlier been arraigned by the EFCC on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving N36 million.