The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged ₦36 million fra¥d.
According to the anti-graft agency, Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged ste@ling of ₦36 million.
During the proceedings, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that she had already refunded ₦24 million to the petitioner.
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“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” he said.
He further pleaded for a short adjournment to allow discussions over the outstanding balance, adding that the complainant agreed to help facilitate withdrawal of the case if the balance is paid.
Responding, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, insisted that the EFCC was not part of any settlement discussions.
“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,” he said.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Dipeolu stated that settlement talks could continue independently without stopping court proceedings.
“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.
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