The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media personality and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over alleged fraud involving N36 million.

Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday.

She was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million.

According to the anti-graft agency, the case stems from a transaction in which she allegedly received funds from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024.

The EFCC told the court that the money was obtained under the claim that it was for the lease of a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road in Lekki, Lagos.

Prosecutors alleged that the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

She was also accused of converting the said funds to personal use, an offence said to be contrary to the Criminal Code Act.

During the proceedings, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Her defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the disputed funds had already been refunded, claiming that N24 million had been returned to the complainant.

The lawyer further told the court that efforts were ongoing to settle the outstanding balance, adding that the nominal complainant was willing to intervene for possible withdrawal of the case if full repayment was made.

However, the EFCC prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed any attempt to halt proceedings, stressing that the commission was acting on behalf of the Federal Government and not involved in private settlement arrangements.

He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, insisting that the defendant must take her plea.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that private negotiations between parties would not affect the criminal proceedings before the court.

He ruled that the defendant must enter her plea, noting that such discussions could continue independently of the trial.

Following her plea of not guilty, the prosecution applied for her remand in a correctional facility pending trial.

The defence, however, requested that she be held in EFCC custody while bail conditions were being processed.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody.

The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.