By Richard Benjamin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned social media personality Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged fraud involving donations reportedly solicited from members of the public.
Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice Yellim Bogoro on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and related offences. According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained about ₦13 million from members of the public after claiming she was undergoing treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer and required financial assistance.
The anti graft agency alleged that documents presented in support of the fundraising campaign were false and were used to induce members of the public to make donations. The commission further alleged that the funds were retained by the defendant, prompting petitions from concerned individuals and organisations.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, while the defence informed the court of a pending bail application. Justice Bogoro subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded pending the hearing and determination of the bail application and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
The latest arraignment adds to a series of legal challenges facing the influencer. On June 9, she was re arraigned before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over an alleged ₦69.15 million fraud case involving a property transaction. She has also appeared before another court in connection with a separate alleged ₦36 million property-related fraud matter.
The EFCC has maintained that investigations into the various allegations are ongoing. As of the time of filing this report, Blessing CEO’s legal representatives had not issued an official statement regarding the latest charges. The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
