Social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos following her arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N13 million fraud.
Blessing CEO disclosed the development in a post shared on her Facebook page on Wednesday shortly after appearing before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the influencer, she pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her after spending 26 days in EFCC custody.
“I have now been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Center pending when I perfect my bail,” she wrote, expressing optimism despite the legal setback.
The social media personality stated that some of the allegations against her stem from tenancy-related disputes involving sums of N36 million and N69 million. She maintained that she did not sell any houses through her office and denied any wrongdoing.
She also referenced another matter involving donations allegedly received after claims that she was battling cancer, stating that she would provide further details after the conclusion of the court proceedings.
Recalling a previous detention in 2022 over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying, Blessing CEO noted that this was the second time she would be remanded at the correctional facility.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, she thanked her supporters for standing by her and urged them to keep her in their prayers.
Meanwhile, the EFCC confirmed that Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds allegedly linked to fraudulent activities.
According to the anti-graft agency, the charges followed petitions submitted by individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.
The commission alleged that members of the public made donations to Blessing CEO after she shared social media posts claiming she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and required financial assistance for treatment.
The EFCC further alleged that investigations revealed that documents presented in support of the claim were falsified.
Following her plea of not guilty, the court granted her bail but ordered that she be remanded pending the perfection of the bail conditions. The matter was subsequently adjourned for further proceedings.
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