A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the remand of popular social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the commencement of her trial.
Justice Yellim Bogoro issued the order on Wednesday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned the influencer on a six-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, forgery, possession of false documents, fraudulent conversion and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency accused Blessing CEO of obtaining N13 million from members of the public by allegedly claiming that she had been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, including a left breast lump and invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular features.
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According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly used the claims to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting members of the public.
The commission further alleged that she forged a medical document titled “Histopathology/Cytopathology Report,” which was purportedly issued by Xinus Medical Diagnostics, and presented it as evidence of her medical condition.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel, H.U. Kofanaisa, informed the court that the agency had filed a six-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read to her.
After the charges were read, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The prosecution also alleged that she knowingly possessed and used the forged medical report, concealed the source of the N13 million allegedly obtained from donors, converted the funds for personal use and retained the money in her personal bank account despite allegedly knowing it was proceeds of unlawful activity.
Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant pending the hearing of the case.
Justice Bogoro subsequently ordered her remand in correctional custody and adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial
