The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, over an alleged N36 million fraud.
The defendant was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, Blessing Okoro allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties settle the outstanding balance amicably.
He further told the court that the petitioner had agreed to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter once the balance was paid.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the case and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that ongoing discussions between the defendant and the petitioner would not halt the judicial process and subsequently directed that the charges be read to the defendant.
One of the charges alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the N36 million between July 14 and 17, 2024, through false representation relating to the property transaction, while another accused her of converting the funds to personal use contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, told the court that the charge was only served on them on May 14, 2026, adding that efforts were underway to file a bail application. Counsel thereafter requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing Okoro be remanded in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.