The trial of social media star and relationship expert Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, was pushed back to 20 July. She could not attend the Federal High Court in Ikoyi because she was unwell.
The judge, Justice D.I. Dipeolu, agreed to the delay after the defence lawyer, P.I. Nwafuru, told the court that the Nigerian Correctional Service said Blessing was unable to come to court. Mr Nwafuru asked for a short adjournment and promised to bring a medical report on his client’s health to the next hearing. Justice Dipeolu then set the new date for 20 July.
Blessing CEO faces two charges brought by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges are about allegedly obtaining money under false pretenses and theft involving ₦36 million.
The EFCC claims that Blessing got ₦36 million from a complainant, Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between 14 and 17 July 2024. She was accused of pretending to secure a lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki.
The agency states that Blessing knew that her claims were false, which is a crime under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As reported earlier by Premium Times, during her arraignment in May, the defence mentioned that both sides were looking for an out-of-court settlement. They also revealed that Blessing CEO had returned ₦24 million of the disputed ₦36 million.
The EFCC opposed any delay in the trial. They argued that criminal cases are prosecuted on behalf of the Federal Government and cannot be paused for settlement talks. Justice Dipeolu stated that while discussions could continue, they would not stop the criminal proceedings.
In a later report by Premium Times, the court held off on deciding on the defendant’s bail application while hearing from the EFCC’s investigating officer, Bufa Regina Okangbe. Ms Okangbe told the court that forensic checks showed the disputed money went into two bank accounts linked to Blessing: ₦25 million in a Guaranty Trust Bank account and ₦11 million in an Access Bank account.
She also testified that the Lekki property belonged to Tunbosun Osobu, who had rented it to Blessing. The witness added that the complainant had started renovations on the property before the landlord asked her to leave.
The trial will continue on 20 July, when the defence is expected to present the medical report explaining Blessing's absence from court.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇