Blessing CEO Misses Court as Lawyer Says She Is Ill in Prison

Proceedings in the alleged ₦36 million fraud trial involving social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, were stalled on Wednesday after her lawyer informed the court that she was ill in custody and unable to attend the hearing.

When the matter came up before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, defence counsel P.I. Nwafuru told the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had informed him that his client was sick and could not be produced for the continuation of her trial.

Nwafuru requested an adjournment, assuring the court that a medical report detailing her condition would be presented at the next hearing.

Justice D.I. Dipeolu subsequently adjourned the case until Monday, July 20, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

Blessing CEO is standing trial on a two-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and theft involving ₦36 million.

According to one of the charges, the EFCC alleged that between July 14 and July 17, 2024, Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the representation was false and that she knew it to be so at the time the money was collected.

The prosecution said the alleged offence contravenes Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The case is expected to resume on July 20, when the court will continue hearing the matter, subject to the defendant's appearance and the presentation of the promised medical report.