Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The trial of social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, was adjourned on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, due to her absence from the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, where she is facing a two-count charge of alleged obtaining by false pretence and theft of N36 million. Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned the matter until Monday, July 20, 2026, for the continuation of trial after the defendant's counsel informed the court that his client was ill and could not attend the proceedings.
When the matter was called, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafuru, informed the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service had notified him that Blessing CEO was unwell and, as a result, could not attend the proceedings. He requested an adjournment and assured the court that a medical report would be presented at the next hearing. Following the prayer of the defence counsel, Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned the matter until Monday, July 20, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed the charges against Blessing CEO in connection with an alleged N36 million fraud. One of the charges reads: "That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira) from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006."
The charge sheet indicates that Blessing CEO allegedly obtained the money from the complainant under the pretext that she was leasing a property in the Lekki area of Lagos. The prosecution alleges that the representation was false and that the defendant knew it to be false at the time she made it. The charge is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. The trial, which has attracted significant public attention due to the defendant's high-profile status as a social media influencer and relationship therapist, has been subject to multiple adjournments since the charges were first filed.
Blessing CEO, who has a large following on social media where she offers relationship advice and counselling, has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings. Her legal team has consistently argued that the charges are unfounded and that she is being unfairly targeted. However, the EFCC has insisted that the evidence against her is compelling and that the case will be pursued to its logical conclusion. The adjournment to July 20 is expected to allow the defendant to recover from her illness and appear in court for the continuation of her trial. The court has also directed that a medical report be presented at the next hearing to substantiate the claim of illness. As the case continues to unfold, both the prosecution and the defence are preparing to present their cases, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the defendant's career and public reputation.
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