The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer Blessing CEO over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Blessing CEO, who calls herself a relationship therapist, was arraigned on Friday before Justice D I Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to a statement from the EFCC, she is facing a two count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing of N36 million.
During proceedings, defence counsel P I Nwafor told the court that part of the money had already been returned to the complainant. 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. “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 Dipeolu said any discussion between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the case before 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.
One of the charges stated that Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million 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 said the representation was false and contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Another charge accused her of converting the money to personal use in a manner said to be contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution then asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.
Her counsel said the defence had only just received the charges and was preparing a bail application. He asked that she be remanded in EFCC custody until bail conditions are perfected.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned till June 5, for the commencement of trial.
This follows earlier controversy linked to claims that she raised funds while alleging she was battling cancer, she had faced public criticism and calls for investigation, with some social media users urging authorities to probe the circumstances surrounding the donations and statements made at the time.
