Popular Nigerian social media influencer, Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged fraud involving ₦69.15 million.
The anti-graft agency disclosed on Tuesday that the influencer was brought before the court on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving a total sum of ₦69,150,000 (approximately $50,858.30).
The fresh charges come on the same day a Federal High Court in Lagos granted Blessing CEO bail in a separate case involving an alleged ₦36 million rental fraud for which the EFCC had previously prosecuted her.
According to the EFCC, the influencer was arraigned before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been properly served with the charge sheet and all relevant court documents.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi agreed that due process had been followed and ordered that the charges be read to the defendant in open court.
Following the reading of the charges, Blessing CEO entered a not guilty plea to all counts.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as the EFCC seeks to prove its allegations against the social media personality.
The latest case adds to the legal challenges facing Blessing CEO, whose activities on social media have frequently attracted public attention and controversy.
As of the time of filing this report, the influencer had not issued any public statement regarding the fresh allegations.
