Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by social media personality and relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka.
The court fixed June 9, 2026, for the decision after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
Blessing CEO is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a two-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and stealing involving ₦36 million.
According to the EFCC, she allegedly collected ₦36 million from a petitioner after claiming she could secure the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located in Lekki, Lagos. The anti-graft agency maintains that the claim was false and that the money was diverted for personal use.
During earlier proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and sought time to negotiate the repayment of the outstanding balance.
However, the prosecution argued that any private settlement would not affect the criminal case, stressing that the Federal Government is the complainant in the matter.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that settlement discussions could continue alongside the trial and directed the defendant to enter her plea.
The charges allege that between July 14 and July 17, 2024, Blessing CEO obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a property lease in Lekki before allegedly converting the funds for personal use.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that she be remanded pending the hearing. The defence responded that the charges had only recently been served and that efforts were being made to perfect her bail application.
The court subsequently ordered her remand in EFCC custody pending further proceedings. After hearing arguments on her bail request on Friday, Justice Dipeolu adjourned ruling on the application until June 9, 2026.