Self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing CEO has shared her first public message following her arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
Recall that in May, the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned the social media personality before Justice D I Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the EFCC, she is facing a two count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing of N36 million.
The anti-graft agency said she allegedly obtained the money from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State. The EFCC also stated that the representation was false and contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Another charge alleged that the funds were converted to personal use in a manner said to be contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
During court proceedings, defence counsel P I Nwafor told the court that part of the money had been refunded. He said, “We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.
“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.”
Prosecuting counsel S I Suleiman said the EFCC was not involved in any private settlement between the parties. He said, “The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.
In his ruling, Justice D I Dipeolu held that discussions between parties would not affect the proceedings of the court.
“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 matter remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Weeks after the court appearance, Blessing CEO posted a short message on her Instagram page. She wrote, “Keep me in your prayers.
It will end in praise”.
The case is still at the arraignment stage and the defendant is expected to enter her plea as proceedings continue.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is Nigeria’s anti corruption agency responsible for investigating financial crimes such as advance fee fraud, money laundering and related offences.
