Alleged N36m Fraud: Court to Rule on Blessing CEO’s Bail Application June 9

Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has fixed June 9, 2026, to rule on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, in her ongoing alleged N36 million fraud case.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the date in a statement following proceedings held on Friday, June 5, 2026.

 

Blessing CEO is being prosecuted by the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

 

At the previous sitting, her counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that part of the disputed funds had been refunded, stating that N24 million out of the alleged N36 million had been paid back.

 

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” the defence counsel said.

 

However, EFCC counsel, S.I. Suleiman, argued that the commission was not part of any private settlement discussions, insisting that the case was instituted on behalf of the Federal Government.

 

He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, describing it as the proper step at that stage of the trial.

 

Ruling earlier, Justice Dipeolu held that private settlement between parties cannot halt criminal proceedings instituted by the state.

 

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

 

The court subsequently ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.

 

The matter has now been adjourned to June 9, 2026, when the court will rule on her bail application.