The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned self-acclaimed relationship therapist and social media personality, Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N13 million fraud.
The defendant was brought before Justice Yelim Bogoro on Wednesday on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and retaining proceeds allegedly derived from unlawful activities.
The new prosecution adds to the legal troubles facing Blessing CEO, bringing the number of criminal cases currently pending against her in different Lagos courts to three.
According to the EFCC, the charges stem from petitions filed by several individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.
The petitioners accused the social media influencer of soliciting financial support from members of the public after allegedly claiming she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and needed funds for medical treatment.
Investigators alleged that many Nigerians donated money after being moved by the claim. However, the anti-graft agency said its findings later showed that the medical document presented by the defendant to support her fundraising campaign was allegedly forged.
The Commission further claimed that the donations received through the appeal amounted to N13 million and were obtained through false representations before being retained by the defendant.
The latest arraignment marks another chapter in a series of legal battles involving Blessing CEO, who is already facing separate criminal prosecutions over alleged fraud-related offences.
Just a day earlier, on June 9, 2026, she appeared before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over allegations involving N69.15 million.
In that case, the EFCC accused her of falsely presenting herself as the owner of a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos, and allegedly inducing Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to pay N69.15 million for a five-year lease agreement.
The anti-corruption agency alleged that after receiving the money, she converted the funds for personal use.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following arguments from both parties, Justice Oshodi ordered that the case proceed and directed that she remain in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of her bail application and the commencement of trial.
In another related matter, Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, had earlier granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million in connection with a separate alleged N36 million property fraud case.
The court ordered that she provide two sureties as part of the bail conditions.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, opposed an application seeking to keep the defendant in the Commission’s custody, informing the court that the agency’s detention facilities were already congested.
Consequently, Justice Dipeolu directed that Blessing CEO be remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
The case was thereafter adjourned until June 22, 2026, for continuation of trial.
With three separate fraud cases now before different courts, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining the legal fate of the controversial social media influencer.
