Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
LAGOS, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Ikoyi has reserved ruling on the bail application of social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, until June 9, 2026, keeping the embattled internet personality in EFCC custody for at least another four days. Justice D.I. Dipeolu issued the ruling on Friday, June 5, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence regarding the defendant's request for release on bail pending trial.
Blessing CEO was first arraigned before the same court on May 15, 2026, on a two‑count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million. According to the charge sheet, the defendant allegedly collected N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the false pretence of leasing a six‑bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos. A second count alleges that she fraudulently converted the same sum to her own use, contrary to Section 383 of the Criminal Code Act. She pleaded not guilty to both charges.
At the May 15 arraignment, the defence counsel, Mr. P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million of the alleged N36 million to the complainant, with arrangements ongoing to settle the outstanding N12 million. He requested a short adjournment to explore an out‑of‑court settlement, noting that the nominal complainant had agreed to help persuade the EFCC to drop the case if the full sum was recovered. However, the prosecution counsel, Mr. S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, arguing that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the criminal proceedings. Justice Dipeolu ruled that private settlement discussions could continue but would not stay the court process, and ordered the defendant to take her plea.
Following her not‑guilty plea, the prosecution asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand Blessing CEO in a correctional facility. However, her counsel noted that she had only been served with the charge on May 14 and that efforts were already underway to file a formal bail application. He, therefore, requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions — a request the court granted. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to June 5, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.
Friday’s proceedings marked the much‑anticipated hearing of that bail application. After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Dipeolu reserved his ruling until June 9, 2026. The ruling will determine whether the social media influencer will be released on bail or remain in EFCC custody as the trial proceeds. The adjournment means she will spend at least another weekend in detention.
Throughout the ordeal, Blessing CEO has maintained her innocence. In a brief video shared on her Instagram page days after her arraignment, she appealed to Nigerians to keep her in their prayers, expressing optimism that her current ordeal would eventually turn into a testimony. “Keep me in your prayers. It will end in praise,” she said in the video.
The case has drawn considerable public attention, not only because of the sheer size of the alleged fraud but also due to Blessing CEO’s prominence as a controversial relationship therapist and social media influencer. For years, she has amassed a large following for her often provocative advice on love, marriage, and financial independence, but she has also faced persistent allegations of exaggerating her lifestyle and possessions online. Legal observers note that the outcome of this trial could set a significant precedent for how digital content creators and influencers are held accountable for financial dealings that extend beyond their online platforms.
As the judicial clock ticks toward June 9, Blessing CEO remains in EFCC custody, awaiting a ruling that will decide whether she continues to await trial from a cell or from the comfort of her home.
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