Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has postponed a decision on the bail request from social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO.
The judge set June 9, 2026, to announce the decision after hearing from both the prosecution and the defence on Friday.
Blessing CEO is on trial for two charges filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges involve alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing of ₦36 million.
The case is based on claims that the defendant took ₦36 million from a petitioner, saying she could help lease a six-bedroom detached duplex on Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road in Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC said the claim was false and that the money was later used for personal purposes.
Earlier, defence lawyer P.I. Nwafor told the court that his client had already returned ₦24 million to the petitioner.
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He asked for more time to discuss settling the outstanding balance and resolving the dispute.
The prosecution said that any agreement between the defendant and the petitioner would not affect the criminal case in court, since the Federal Government remains the complainant.
Justice Dipeolu said these discussions could continue while the court case proceeds and told the defendant to enter her plea.
The charges against Blessing CEO include allegations that between July 14 and July 17, 2024, she obtained ₦36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a property lease in Lekki.
The anti-graft agency also accused her of fraudulently converting the money to her own use.
When the charges were read in court, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and sought an order remanding her pending the hearing of the case.
Defence counsel informed the court that the charges had only recently been served on the defendant and that efforts were underway to perfect her bail application.
The court subsequently ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings and adjourned the matter.
At Friday’s hearing, lawyers argued her bail request before Justice Dipeolu, who reserved his decision until June 9, 2026.
