EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO over fresh alleged N13 million fraud in Lagos

Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged N13 million fraud before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The anti-graft agency, through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, arraigned the defendant on Wednesday before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi.

Blessing CEO is facing a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds allegedly derived from fraudulent activities.

According to the EFCC, the charges followed multiple petitions submitted by individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The Commission alleged that the social media personality received donations from members of the public after claiming on her social media platforms that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and required financial assistance for medical treatment.

Investigators, however, alleged that documents presented by the defendant to support the claims were later discovered to be falsified.

The EFCC said the alleged misrepresentation prompted concerned individuals and groups to petition the agency, leading to further investigations and the filing of fresh charges.

The case marks the latest in a series of legal battles involving the social media influencer, who has faced multiple fraud-related allegations before different courts in Lagos in recent weeks.

The Commission accused the defendant of obtaining approximately N13 million from donors under false pretences and subsequently retaining the funds.

Proceedings in the matter commenced before Justice Bogoro, with the court expected to hear arguments from both the prosecution and defence as the trial progresses.

The EFCC maintained that the charges were based on evidence gathered during its investigation.

As with all criminal proceedings, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.

Further hearings in the case are expected to continue at a later date.