The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, on Wednesday arraigned self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged fresh fraud involving ₦13 million.
Blessing CEO was brought before Justice Yelim Bogoro on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and retaining proceeds allegedly derived from unlawful activities amounting to ₦13 million.
The latest development raises the number of criminal cases currently pending against the defendant before different courts in Lagos to three.
According to the EFCC, the charges stem from several petitions submitted by individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society. The petitioners alleged that the defendant solicited donations from members of the public through social media after claiming she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and required financial support for treatment.
The anti-graft agency alleged that numerous individuals made donations based on the claim, but investigations later revealed that the medical report presented by the defendant to support her appeal was allegedly forged.
The Commission further alleged that the donations, amounting to ₦13 million, were obtained under false pretences and subsequently retained by the defendant.
The arraignment represents the latest legal challenge facing Blessing CEO, who is already standing trial in two separate criminal matters before courts in Lagos.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, she was arraigned before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over an alleged ₦69.15 million fraud involving charges of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The EFCC alleged that she falsely claimed ownership of a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, and induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to pay ₦69.15 million for a five-year lease agreement. The Commission further claimed that she converted the funds to personal use.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following arguments by counsel, Justice Oshodi ordered that the proceedings continue and remanded her in EFCC custody pending further hearings.
The matter was adjourned until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.
Earlier on the same day, Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, granted Blessing CEO bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in relation to a separate alleged ₦36 million property fraud case.
The defendant, who appeared in court wearing a long black gown over black trousers, is facing trial over allegations connected to the property transaction.
EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, opposed her request to remain in the Commission’s custody, informing the court that the agency’s detention facilities were already overcrowded.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 22, 2026, for the continuation of trial.