36m fraud: Court reserves ruling on Blessing CEO’s bail application

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, who is standing trial over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Friday.

According to the anti-graft agency, Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned ruling on the bail application until June 9, 2026.

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

The commission alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, the defendant obtained ₦36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom duplex for lease in the Lekki area of Lagos.

During previous proceedings, defence counsel informed the court that ₦24 million had already been refunded to the complainant and requested additional time to settle the outstanding balance.

However, the EFCC opposed any attempt to resolve the matter privately, arguing that the criminal charges before the court should proceed regardless of ongoing negotiations between the parties.

Justice Dipeolu had earlier ruled that discussions aimed at settlement could not halt the criminal proceedings and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending further hearing of the case.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 9, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application.