Alleged N36m Fraud: Court Reserves Ruling on Blessing CEO’s Bail as EFCC Opens Case

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has reserved ruling on the bail application for social media influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO. She faces trial for an alleged N36 million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Blessing CEO with two counts related to obtaining money by false pretense and stealing. During the bail hearing, her defense counsel requested liberal bail terms. However, the EFCC counsel opposed the application, citing that the defendant had previously failed to honor invitations extended to her during the investigation.

The prosecution presented a counter-affidavit from the investigating officer, Bufa Regina Okangbe. The EFCC urged the court to order an accelerated hearing instead of granting bail. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the ruling on the bail application to June 9, 2026.

Earlier, the prosecution opened its case with Okangbe's testimony. She detailed how the EFCC uncovered a scheme where the defendant allegedly received N36 million from a petitioner for a property she did not possess. An investigation, including a Bank Verification Number (BVN) search, revealed multiple bank accounts linked to Blessing CEO. The EFCC also contacted banks, the Lagos State Land Bureau, and the Corporate Affairs Commission as part of its inquiry.

Okangbe testified that Blessing CEO, after being confronted with transactions linked to the petitioner and making statements under caution in the presence of her lawyer and husband, admitted to receiving N30 million. The Lagos State Land Bureau confirmed the property in dispute belonged to Tunbosun Osobu, who had leased it to the defendant. The petitioner also provided a lease agreement and tenancy acquisition forms.

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We rely on all the depositions contained therein and the exhibits attached. At some point during the course of the investigation, the defendant stopped honouring invitations extended to her by the Commission. We urge Your Lordship not to accede to the request of the defence and instead order an accelerated hearing of the matter.