Just In: EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media personality Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million f.raud case

She was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on Friday 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.

During the court proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the remaining balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he said.

However, EFCC counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the anti-graft agency was not involved in any private settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he stated.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that ongoing discussions between the defendant and the petitioner would not stop the court proceedings, ordering that the charges be read.

According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of arranging the lease of a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.

The commission further alleged that she fraudulently converted the money for personal use.

After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand her in a correctional facility pending trial.

Her lawyer, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody, explaining that she had only just received the charge and that efforts to file her bail application were ongoing.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.

The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

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