The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu fixed Monday, June 9, 2026 for ruling after hearing arguments from both EFCC and defence counsel on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, is prosecuting Blessing CEO on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. EFCC alleges she obtained *N36 million* from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of leasing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos.
Court Proceedings
In court Friday, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor told the judge Blessing CEO had refunded N24 million of the N36 million to the complainant and requested time to settle the balance. The lawyer said the complainant agreed EFCC could drop the case if the balance is paid.
EFCC’s prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed bail. He filed a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit stating the defendant failed to honour EFCC invitations during investigation. The prosecution insisted the complainant is the Federal Government of Nigeria, so private settlement cannot stop criminal proceedings.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between defence and complainant would not halt the trial. The judge ordered Blessing CEO’s plea to be taken and remanded her in EFCC custody pending the bail ruling.
Current Status
Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. She remains in EFCC custody until the court delivers its bail decision on June 9, 2026, when the case has been adjourned for ruling.
Background
Blessing CEO rose to fame around 2018-2019 through Instagram and YouTube by posting blunt, viral relationship advice as a self-styled therapist. Her no-filter takes on cheating, marriage, money and breakups drew millions of views and sparked constant debate online. Phrases like “If he can’t spend money on you, leave him” and her stance that she wouldn’t cook or clean unless her husband could afford stuff turned her into a polarizing figure.
Controversies further amplified her reach. In 2019 she claimed a 7-bedroom Enugu mansion for her 30th birthday until businessman Onye Eze exposed her as the real owner. Between 2022 and 2023 her commentary on the death of Bimbo Ogbonna and later engagement to her husband IVD kept her in the news cycle. She monetized the attention through paid consultations, sponsored posts and her “Blessing CEO brand”, building an audience of women aged 18-35 who either agreed with her or watched to argue.
This is not her first brush with the law. Earlier this year she claimed stage 4 breast cancer and appealed for donations, but by April the family of Deborah Mbara petitioned EFCC alleging she altered Deborah’s medical report to defraud Nigerians of over N300 million. The Nigerian Cancer Society and EFCC opened investigations, after which Blessing CEO apologised, said N13 million was raised, and offered refunds.
She also faced police arraignment between 2023 and 2024 on six counts of cyberbullying and libel over posts about Folashade Samuels and the late Bimbo Ogbonna. She was remanded until May 30, 2024 before being granted N10 million bail.
Analysts note most controversies around her center on allegations of fraud, cyberbullying, and use of other people’s stories for clout.
