Controversial social media personality and relationship coach, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her arraignment over an alleged ₦36 million fraud.

According to reports, that the decision was delivered on Friday, May 15, 2026, by Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Court Proceedings and Charges

Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and theft involving ₦36 million.

One of the charges alleged that she received ₦36 million from a petitioner under the claim of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos, an offer the prosecution said was false at the time it was made.

Another count accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum for personal use, offences said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Criminal Code Act.

She, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read in court.

Defence and Prosecution Arguments

During proceedings, her counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that part of the disputed funds had already been refunded.

According to him, ₦24 million out of the ₦36 million had been returned to the complainant, and discussions were ongoing to settle the outstanding balance.

He further argued that the complainant was open to withdrawing the case once full repayment was made.

However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the submission, insisting that the EFCC was not part of any private settlement discussions.

He maintained that the matter before the court was a criminal prosecution by the Federal Government and urged the court to proceed with arraignment.

Court Ruling and Remand Order

In his ruling, Justice D.I. Dipeolu held that while parties could explore settlement discussions, such negotiations did not stop criminal proceedings.

Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked that she be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

Her defence team, on the other hand, requested that she be kept in EFCC custody while efforts to perfect her bail application were underway.

The court granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO remain in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.