Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has fixed June 9, 2026, for ruling on the bail application filed by social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, in her ongoing N36 million fraud case.
The date was announced following proceedings held on Friday, June 5, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Blessing CEO is being prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing involving N36 million.
At the resumed hearing, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that his client had refunded N24 million to the nominal complainant and requested a short adjournment to enable discussions aimed at settling the outstanding balance.
According to Nwafor, the complainant had indicated a willingness to persuade the EFCC to discontinue the matter if the remaining balance was paid.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million. We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he told the court.
However, EFCC counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, stressing that the commission was not involved in any settlement discussions between the defendant and the petitioner.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Suleiman argued.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that ongoing discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant could not halt criminal proceedings before the court.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
The case was adjourned to June 9, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the defendant’s bail application and continue hearing in the matter.
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