Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, a social media star and self-proclaimed relationship guru, has announced that she has been remanded to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos after being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The influencer revealed the situation in a Facebook post on Wednesday, following her hearing before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to Blessing CEO, she pleaded not guilty to the accusations after spending 26 days in EFCC custody.
She reported that she had been sent to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre while her bail requirements were being completed.
“I have now been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Center pending when I perfect my bail,” she wrote.
In response to the claims, Blessing CEO stated that part of the troubles were caused by tenancy conflicts totalling N36 million and N69 million. She asserted that she had never sold a property through her office.
She also mentioned a separate case involving donations reportedly received following rumours that she was battling cancer. She stated that she will provide a complete explanation of the issue after the court proceedings were completed.
The social media personality stated that this is not her first time at the jail facility. She remembers being remanded there in 2022 on suspicions of slander and cyberbullying.
Despite the legal battle, she was confident that the conclusion would eventually benefit her. She also thanked supporters for their encouragement and asked for continuous prayers.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reported on Wednesday that Blessing CEO had been arraigned before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on new charges of suspected N13 million fraud.
According to the commission, the case arose as a result of petitions filed by individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.
The EFCC claimed that members of the public donated money to Blessing CEO after she posted on social media that she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and needed financial support for treatment.
Investigators further claimed that documents submitted in support of the cancer claims were later revealed to be fabricated.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to all counts when she appeared in court.
Following the arraignment, the judge ordered her held in custody awaiting the completion of her bail terms. The case was then delayed for further consideration.
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