Details have emerged from the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos regarding the ongoing fraud trial of popular relationship influencer, Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO.
Testifying before Justice R. A. Oshodi, the first prosecution witness (PW1), businessman Dr. Onuoha Okeigwe, detailed how the social media personality allegedly defrauded his firm, Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, of ₦69,150,000 for a five-year lease on a commercial property located in Lekki, Lagos which she did not own.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, had previously arraigned Blessing CEO on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to Dr. Okeigwe, the transaction took place on or around March 21, 2025, when Blessing CEO represented herself as the legitimate owner of a building situated at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.
"She sent WhatsApp messages containing photographs of the building, presenting it as proof of her ownership," Dr. Okeigwe testified. Relying on her assurances, the healthcare company paid the principal sum of ₦69.15 million alongside additional fees covering agency, legal, and caution charges to secure a five-year lease agreement.
The witness revealed to the court that trouble began shortly after the funds were transferred and his team began setting up at the premises. A man identified as Mr. Tom arrived at the property accompanied by police officers and ordered the arrest of workers stationed on site.
Dr. Okeigwe testified that when he immediately confronted Blessing CEO, the influencer denied knowing Mr. Tom and maintained that she remained the rightful owner of the real estate. However, subsequent police investigations revealed that Blessing CEO was not the property owner and had allegedly leased the same premises to multiple parties.
The EFCC prosecution team pressed charges under Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
Blessing CEO, who pleaded not guilty to both counts, remains on trial as the prosecution presents its physical and testimonial evidence, including bank statements, communication logs, and property documents.
Following the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Justice Oshodi adjourned the trial until October 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing.