A prosecution witness has told the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, how social media relationship influencer Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as “Blessing CEO,” allegedly deceived a healthcare company into paying N69.15 million for a five-year lease on a Lekki property she did not own.
​Testifying before Justice R. A. Oshodi on Monday, October 12, 2026, the first prosecution witness (PW1), Dr. Onuoha Okeigwe, detailed how he transferred the funds on behalf of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited following misrepresentations made by the influencer.
​The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, alleged that on or about March 21, 2025, Blessing CEO falsely represented herself as the lawful owner of a real estate property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.
​According to Dr. Okeigwe, the social media personality sent WhatsApp messages containing photographs of the building to persuade him of her ownership. Relying on those representations, the firm paid N69,150,000, which covered the five-year lease alongside additional statutory payments for agency, legal, and caution fees.
​Dr. Okeigwe told the court that after securing the payment, the defendant collected funds from another prospective tenant for the exact same property. He further stated that when ownership disputes arose and workers were detained, he contacted Blessing CEO, who dismissed his concerns and claimed not to know the actual property owner.
​Blessing CEO was formally arraigned by the EFCC on June 9, 2026, on a two-count charge consisting of Obtaining money by false pretence and Stealing. She pleaded not guilty to both counts, which carry penalties under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
​Following the witness’s testimony and submission of evidence, Justice R. A. Oshodi adjourned the trial until October 26, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
