The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The defendant, popularly known as Blessing CEO, was docked on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing involving the sum of N36 million.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to enable both parties settle the outstanding balance.
According to the defence, the nominal complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter once the balance was fully paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and that the prosecution was not aware of any settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner.
He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment and allow the defendant to take her plea.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defence and the nominal complainant could continue while the case remained before the court, noting that such negotiations would not affect the proceedings.
He subsequently directed the defendant to enter her plea.