Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday declined to allow ongoing settlement talks stall the arraignment of social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and was seeking more time to settle the outstanding balance amicably.
According to the defence, the nominal complainant had indicated willingness to persuade the EFCC to withdraw the case once full repayment was made.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the criminal proceedings could not be suspended because of private negotiations between the defendant and the petitioner.
Suleiman argued that the Federal Government of Nigeria remained the complainant in the matter and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that settlement discussions between both parties would not affect the criminal case before the court.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court,” the judge ruled before directing the defendant to take her plea.
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Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The commission alleged that the claim was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, adding that the money was allegedly converted for personal use.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
The defence, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail application, noting that the charges had only been served on Thursday.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for trial.
