Controversial relationship commentator and social media personality, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been brought before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC arraigned the influencer on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge involving alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
During the court session, defence lawyer P.I. Nwafor informed the judge that his client had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner as part of efforts to settle the matter outside the courtroom.
According to him, the defence was seeking a brief adjournment to allow time for discussions regarding the outstanding balance.
He further explained that the petitioner had indicated a willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the case once full payment was made.
Settlement Talks
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, stressing that the anti-graft agency was not involved in any settlement talks between the defendant and the petitioner.
Suleiman maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the matter and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and plea of the defendant.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Dipeolu stated that discussions between the defence and the petitioner could continue independently without affecting the legal proceedings before the court.
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“The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled, signalling the continuation of the trial despite ongoing settlement efforts.