Controversial social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been granted bail in an alleged N36 million fraud case but will remain in EFCC custody after being arraigned on a separate N69.15 million fraud charge in Lagos.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Tuesday on a fresh two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited by falsely presenting herself as the owner of a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos, and leasing it to the company for a period of five years.
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The anti-graft agency further alleged that she converted the money to personal use.
At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, while defence counsel Nkama Nneka argued that service of the charge had only recently been effected.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law. After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution subsequently requested a trial date and asked that the influencer be remanded in EFCC custody pending another scheduled court appearance.
The judge granted the request and adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.
Earlier on Tuesday, Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi granted Blessing CEO bail in a separate alleged N36 million fraud case.
The court admitted her to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a family member.
The sureties were ordered to provide proof of employment, BVN, NIN, valid phone numbers, international passports, tax clearance certificates for the last two years and six passport photographs.
The N36 million case is linked to allegations that the influencer obtained money from a complainant under the guise of securing the lease of a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned her on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
With proceedings now pending before both the Federal High Court and the Lagos Special Offences Court, the influencer faces a fresh round of legal battles as prosecutors pursue separate fraud allegations involving more than N100 million.
